Courtesy: North Port Police.
NORTH PORT, Fla. - A 17-year-old boy heading to the bus stop was struck by a car and trapped underneath before being airlifted to a nearby hospital on Wednesday morning, according to North Port police.
What we know:
According to investigators, the teen was running across the street at a crosswalk near the intersection of Cranberry Blvd and Ridley Lane when he was hit.
The driver stayed at the scene and told police that they did not see the student crossing the street.
A photo snapped by the North Port Police Department showed how dark it was when officers were called to the scene.
"It was a 17-year-old child who was trying to get to his bus stop. The vehicle did not see him, and he was ultimately struck," said Brittany Kammerer, the public information officer for North Port police.
North Port police said the teen was crossing in a marked crosswalk.
"Our goal here is to educate the public. These kids are traveling to school when it’s dark. It’s the reality of the situation. We have to pay attention and there’s nothing more important than focusing on what’s in front of you," said Kammerer.
The backstory:
Neighbors said they've had concerns for years. Right across the street is Cranberry Elementary School, but many said they've seen close calls as high school and middle school students walk to their bus stop.
"We have one streetlight, right at the top of this street pole, that’s it. It shines down on this side. Not where the kids cross it shines on the other side and that’s it," said Dawn Ventura, who lives a few houses down from the accident scene.
Ventura and others said something needs to be done, now.
"They need to maybe put the cross lights up like they have up in Sarasota on the Legacy Trail. They have all those blinking lights to let people know if people want to cross. Put a light as much traffic as we have coming up and down the road now. It’s crazy," said Ventura.
Everyone FOX 13 spoke to said the same thing.
"It's dark. I know my husband goes to work, and he’s always like ‘it’s dark.’ I have to watch the kids," said Louanne Stewart, who lives nearby.
What they're saying:
Kammerer says that it is important to watch for students who are heading to the bus, especially with the time change this past weekend.
"The time change plays a big factor into this. A lot of children are leaving in the morning to get to school when it’s still dark out. We need people to pay attention to the road. Nothing is more important than what’s in front of you, especially when it comes to our kids. Put the phones down and pay attention to what’s in front of you and drive your vehicle," she said.
Cranberry Road was shut down after the incident, but it has since re-opened. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
The City of North Port released the following statement:
"The Department of Public Works is not aware of any lighting requests that have been made for this area previously.
When we receive a request for street lighting, the City investigates to see if it is desired by the neighbors who live nearby or warranted by a significant traffic or safety issue. If so, we then need to work with Florida Power & Light to make a request and ensure the availability of power and necessary infrastructure."
What we don't know:
An update on the victim's condition has not been provided, but several family members have said on social media that he remains in critical condition. Police also did not say whether the driver is facing any criminal charges.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the North Port Police Department. Details also come from interviews with neighbors.