DETROIT – An entire community is grieving after a 4-year-old was hit by an ice cream truck on Detroit’s west side.
The incident occurred on Monday (April 14) around 7 p.m. on Diversey Avenue and Rutland Street.
“The dad, he doesn’t believe his son has passed away,” said Muklus Alshimry, who is related to the boy’s father.
Alshimry says the 4-year-old was playing outside of his home with other children when he was hit.
Detroit police did not release any details relating to the crash other than to say the driver of the ice cream truck remained on scene and was taken in for questioning.
--> Young child killed after being hit by ice cream truck on Detroit’s west side
On Tuesday, police confirmed the driver was released pending further investigation.
It’s unclear how many children were outside or who was with them.
Alshimry, who lives up the street from where the accident occurred, said the driver appeared to be distracted and had not even realized he had hit a child.
“When he hit him, he doesn’t know he hit a kid; they tell him he hit a kid, he doesn’t know, he went back again on him,” said Alshimry.
He had this message for parents.
“Parents in the neighborhood, they need to watch their kids, take care of their kids – keep an eye on them,” Alshimry said.
At the scene Monday night, chaplains accompanied officers to support them and all who witnessed the accident.
Captain Shannon Hampton asked everyone to be alert.
“This time of year, with the weather breaking, it’s very important that everyone is mindful that the children are out and playing.”
Local 4 Safety Experience and former police officer Darnell Blackburn suggests all parents talk to their children about being safe outdoors.
He suggests starting by explaining that children should never cross the street without an adult by their side.
“This is heartbreaking, as a parent, former police officer, seeing children be harmed like that; I’ve seen it happen in a matter of seconds,” said Blackburn.
Blackburn says parents should also talk to their kids about safe areas to play in and suggests they stay in the grassy areas in front of a residence, 20-30 feet away from the street.
Even after setting the parameters, Blackburn says parents should remain vigilant.
“The best thing that a parent can do is make sure they’re outside with their children, make sure that they’re supervised because a child can easily dart out in the street,” Blackburn said.
As for drivers, he says it never hurts to drive below the posted speed limits in residential areas.
