6-year-old boy struck by Miami police car

Family friend says police officer was speeding

MIAMI – A 6-year-old boy was struck by a Miami police car Wednesday afternoon.

Miami police said the boy, identified as Antoine Lawson, was riding a scooter on Northwest Fifth Avenue, just west of Northwest 58th Street, when he suddenly appeared from between two parked trucks, making it impossible for the officer to see the boy before striking him.

"Obviously, a child is shorter than those trucks, so it's difficult to see him if he darts out into the street," Maj. Delrish Moss said.

Lawson was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

Police said he suffered a few broken bones and other injuries, but a family friend said he is expected to survive.

Lawson's mother and family said the officer was speeding.

"At this point, it doesn't appear that speed was a factor," Moss said.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.