RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A child suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by an SUV while waiting for the school bus Wednesday morning in Richmond.
The child was hit along the 1500 block of Oakwood Ave. around 8:30, according to Richmond Police spokesman James Mercante.
"This has never happened in my 28 years being here, dear. I couldn't think. All I could do was react," said Eugene Baugh, who witnessed the accident from his front porch.
"He was hollering a lot of course. And he was just laying there in the street. But he was moving and everything," said Baugh.
Richmond police said that the driver was heading Eastbound on Oakwood Avenue while the 7-year-old was crossing the street.
Investigators say an older child waived the boy into the intersection. Neighbors say the 7-year-old was meeting a group of other children at the bus stop moments before he was struck.
Baugh described the driver as a firefighter who stayed with the injured boy until help arrived.
Police, who said the driver was questioned at the scene, have not confirmed the driver's identity. No charges are expected to be filed against the driver.
Neighbors call this a dangerous street because drivers speed and are blinded by the trees along the street.
"The speed is just too high through here," Wallace Steed said.
"And those kids are at the bus stop in the mornings. So, you know...it's pretty dangerous," said Walter Miller.
And while investigators determine the cause of the crash, Baugh said his thoughts are with the victim's family.
"I hope that he's alright and we're praying for him," said Baugh.
