PHOENIX — A Phoenix police vehicle hit a child in south Phoenix, leaving them with critical injuries, the city's police department said.
The incident happened Wednesday evening around 6 p.m. near 11th Avenue and Pima Street. Police have not released the age, gender or name of the injured child.
One police cruiser being driven by an officer with a police assistant riding in the passenger seat was involved in the incident, officers said. The vehicle had just left from another call when the crash happened.
Before the collision, officers reportedly saw a young girl on the side of the street who appeared to be attempting to get officers' attention. Right after, the officer saw a young child on the road and drove into it.
The girl later told investigators she was trying to get officers' attention because she knew the child was in the street.
Officers began to offer medical aid to the child after hitting them and made contact with the family.
Police do not believe speed is a factor in the collision. The vehicle did not have a dash camera, but officers wore body cameras.
The vehicle crimes unit is investigating all aspects of the incident.
Watch police update in the player below:
This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.
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Deaths on Arizona roads
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
- 2011: 825 deaths
- 2012: 821 deaths
- 2013: 844 deaths
- 2014: 774 deaths
- 2015: 895 deaths
- 2016: 952 deaths
- 2017: 1,000 deaths
- 2018: 1,010 deaths
- 2019: 982 deaths
- 2020: 1,057 deaths
ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.