Teen crossing Phoenix street hit, killed

PHOENIX - Police say a young teen was struck and killed while crossing a Phoenix street Friday night.

According to Phoenix police Sgt. Michelle Thiry, the 14-year-old died at the scene of the accident, which occurred near 72nd Avenue and Indian School Road around 10:45 p.m.

Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos said an officer was driving by the scene just before the accident happened and made a U-turn after it occurred.

A witness reported the officer had shined a patrol car spotlight on two people jaywalking before the accident, possibly blinding the driver that hit them.

Martos said the officer did not put the spotlight on the two victims until after the accident had occurred. He said that was confirmed by the driver of the vehicle and the surviving victim. The driver did not claim to have been blinded, Martos said.

There was no word on injuries suffered by the second person.

Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped and cooperated with officers. Neither drugs nor alcohol were believed to be a factor in the accident.