Child Struck, Killed By Police Cruiser In Gloucester County
FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. (CBS) – Authorities say a 10-year-old boy is dead after he was struck by a police cruiser Sunday night in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
The accident happened around 7 p.m. at Delsea Drive and Paul Street in Franklin Township.
Authorities say the driver of the cruiser was a Franklin Township police officer who was responding to a call.
Witnesses say the 10-year-old was heading to a sleepover with some friends and was struck crossing the street after one of his friends made it across the street safely. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
No other children were hurt, but authorities say the officer was taken to the hospital for evaluation. He was the only person in the cruiser at the time of the accident.
Officials in Franklin Township released a statement regarding the accident that reads in part:
"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCloskey family that tragically lost their son. Whenever a young life is lost like this it is tragic for everyone, his family and our community,
While this is very difficult for the young boy's family it is also very difficult for that police officer involved. It is our understanding that the officer was responding to an urgent call when this accident happened and we support the officer who was involved in this. He is very shaken up by being involved in this incident and we are supporting him in this difficult time."
The crash is under investigation.
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