New Jersey

Police Cruiser Responding to Call Strikes, Kills Boy Headed to Sleepover: Police

UPDATE: Prosecutors have identified the child and police officer as they look into questions about whether the officer was using his lights and siren.


A 10-year-old boy who was walking to a friend's home for a sleepover was struck and killed by a police cruiser Sunday night in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.

The child's family told NBC10 the boy was walking with two of his friends on Delsea Drive and Paul Street. The boy was crossing the street to attend a sleepover when he was suddenly struck by a Franklin Township Police cruiser passing by. Police told NBC10 the officer was responding to a call.

The boy later died from his injuries. The boy's two friends were not hurt and are currently being interviewed by detectives.

Family members and a witness claimed the police cruiser was traveling fast and did not have on any lights or a siren at the time of the accident. Investigators did not confirm nor deny that the use of the vehicle's lights and siren.

The police officer was taken to Kennedy Hospital though officials have not yet revealed whether he was injured.

"The matter is currently under investigation," said Gloucester County Chief of Detectives John Porter. "We offer our deepest condolences to the family of that child."
 

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