SARASOTA, Fla. (Gray News) – An 8-year-old boy in Florida is fighting for his life after being hit by a police officer while riding a dirt bike.
The incident happened Monday evening around 6:30 p.m., WWSB reported.
Sarasota Police said the child was on a dirt bike when an officer was leaving the scene of a different call. That’s when they say the officer struck the child.
Police Chief Rex Troche released the bodycam footage of the crash on Facebook as the investigation continues.
In the video, the officer is seen frantic when he realizes he hit the boy after making a left-hand turn. He jumped out of his cruiser and ran to the boy, WPEC reported.
The 8-year-old boy was airlifted to a hospital where he remains hospitalized.
Regina Sanders, the 8-year-old boy’s mother, said, “I’ve never been through anything like this before.”
She said that her son has moved his legs slightly and has coughed since being admitted to the hospital.
Those are the only advances in his condition.
“I’m just trying to be strong for my two other kids at home,” Sanders said.
The officer was uninjured and has been placed on administrative duty.
Sarasota Police Department is working with Florida Highway Patrol on this investigation.
It remains an active investigation.
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