JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 4-year-old child was struck by a vehicle on Jacksonville's Southside after police say they 'darted out' into the road Wednesday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
JSO's Sergeant Hungerford says at approximately 8 a.m., the 4-year-old child was with their mother in the parking lot of Heather Ridge Apartments, located at 6200 Barnes Road South. Hungerford says next, the child 'darted out' into traffic as they were struck by a 4-door, white Chevrolet that was traveling eastbound on Barnes Road.
Police say the child was taken to a Jacksonville hospital with life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition while the driver of the Chevrolet, remained on scene and is cooperating with police.
"Anybody and everybody who was out front, came to rush in aid of the child," Hungerford said in a 10:15 briefing.
Hungerford says it does not appear that the driver was impaired and says that the sheriff's office has obtained video of the incident in which JSO will review to determine the driver's speed.
The 6200 block of Barnes Road is currently closed and will remain closed until JSO's traffic and homicide detectives clear the scene; Hungerford says it will reopen within the next hour.
Hungerford also adds that the incident took place nearby a Jacksonville elementary and middle school but, says that it did not happen in the 'school zone' yet, school zone lights were activated at the time the incident occurred. He also mentioned in the briefing that the incident didn't have "anything to do with the school-related child" as well as, said that the incident happened on the side of the road where there aren't any sidewalks.