GLENDALE, AZ — Glendale police say a child has life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle Friday morning.
The incident occurred in a neighborhood north of 67th Avenue and Deer Valley Road around 7 a.m.
According to police, a 13-year-old boy with a bicycle was struck by a pickup truck while in a crosswalk on the way to school.
Deer Valley Unified School District confirmed with ABC15 that it was a Mountain Ridge High School student.
The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Police say the injuries appear to be life-threatening, and the child is in critical condition.
The driver of the pickup truck is cooperating with the investigation, and impairment does not appear to be a factor.
ABC15 obtained the following letter that was sent to the school community regarding the incident:
Dear Mountain Ridge Community,
I am writing to update you about a situation that took place earlier this morning. A Mountain Ridge student was involved in a car accident on the way to school this morning. The student is currently hospitalized following the accident. We are unable to release the name of the student involved at this time out of respect for the student and the family's privacy, but please join me in sending our thoughts to everyone affected.
Due to the number of emergency vehicles on 67th Avenue, the administration informed students that there is currently no safety issue on campus. Students were informed via an announcement that roads leading to Mountain Ridge have been shut down due to a car accident. Students have been encouraged to visit the counseling office if they need support.
Traffic patterns will likely need to be altered for incoming and outgoing traffic from the school. At this time, there is limited access to the campus due to road closures. More information will be provided later via email and the website. We will also keep students informed as updates become available so they know how to safely exit campus.
I thank you for your support, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
David Vines
Principal
Mountain Ridge High School
Stay with ABC15 for updates on this developing story.
