HANCOCK COUNTY — The child who was struck by a vehicle and left on the side of the road in Wilkinson Saturday night is still listed in critical condition in an Indianapolis hospital, officials said Tuesday morning.
Officials say the juvenile has a traumatic brain injury and broken bones. Doctors are keeping him sedated on a ventilator for at least a few days to allow the swelling in his brain to come down, then they will try to assess him.
In the meantime, officials are still trying to find the driver and vehicle who struck the boy and are imploring local residents to help with any tips.
The crash happened in the Wilkinson area around 10 p.m. Saturday, June 17, officials said. That’s when deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area of Ind. 109 in Wilkinson for a juvenile struck by a car.
Residents living on Ind. 109 between Ind. 234 and the Dollar General in Wilkinson who may have security camera footage from approximately 9:45-10:10 p.m. from Saturday, June 17 are asked to please contact HCSD detectives. Also, if anyone was driving in that area Saturday night who may have seen anything that may help, please call the HCSD as soon as possible.
Officials say a passerby observed a child laying on the ground next to a bicycle and immediately called 911. It is not known how long the child had been lying on the ground before a person located him and called for help. The 13-year-old boy was able to open his eyes open, but was unable to speak. The child was transported by air ambulance to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis in critical condition.
Investigators from the HCSD are searching for more clues to locate the person and the vehicle who struck the child. This includes using police safety cameras in the area, speaking to neighbors and searching for more video.
The suspect vehicle may have damage to the front, right and/or passenger sides, officials said. Anyone with information should contact the HCSD detective division at 317-477-1199.
