SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – A child was hit by a car that police said ran a red light in Sunny Isles Beach.
According to police, the 11-year-old was in the crosswalk when struck by a red Mercedes-Benz.
It happened early Wednesday evening in the eastbound lanes of Sunny Isles Boulevard near A1A.
The boy was taken to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
Police said the child was suffering from severe head trauma.
The driver who hit the boy remained at the scene, police said.
A witness told Local 10 News reporter Roy Ramos that the boy was attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk. He said the light turned red and two cars stopped, so the boy began to cross the street. That’s when he was struck by the Mercedes.
Residents in the area were upset after learning of the crash, saying it happened in an area that has always been a problem.
“It has almost happened to me running across the street,” said resident Alex Tchogorian. “This crosswalk is a huge problem.”
The Mercedes could be seen with damage to its front end.
It happened at an intersection that other drivers have found confusing because of where it is located.
“You are not expecting the light to be red, so a lot of people often run the red light,” said Tchogorian. “It is a dangerous intersection.”
Detectives are working to obtain surveillance video from nearby businesses as they continue their investigation.
There has been no word on whether the driver will face any charges.