ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — A four-year-old boy is in the hospital after he was run over while at Ormond Beach, Volusia County Beach Patrol officials said.
The incident happened Sunday around 3 p.m. The 19-year-old driver, from Sanford, was driving 5 to 10 mph on the beach, officials said.
>>> Receive breaking news alerts through our free WFTV app <<<
The child was on a boogie board when the water pushed him close to the traffic lane. The driver initially stopped, the driver lost track of the child and continued driving.
The boy got off the boogie board and ran into the front bumper of the vehicle and the tire ran over the child’s stomach, officials said.
The boy was conscious when he was taken to the hospital in an unknown condition.
His family released a statement Thursday about the boy's condition:
"We are so humbled by the thoughts and prayers everyone is offering for Antonio and our family. We are deeply thankful for the wonderful care and attention our son has received from the critical care team at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Our son’s condition is improving each day. We wish to maintain our privacy during this difficult time as our focus is to ensure Antonio’s full recovery. Thank you."
Volusia Co Beach Patrol says 4yo boy accidentally run over by 19yo truck driver. Says wave pushed boy into traffic in Ormond Beach @WFTV
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) July 16, 2017
Says driver stopped for boy, when he started driving again beach patrol reports child ran into the bumper & was run over @WFTV
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) July 16, 2017
Cox Media Group
