11-year-old boy fatally hit by vehicle while bicycling across Post Road in Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — A 11-year-old boy was struck and killed while attempting to cross a street on a bicycle Saturday night in Lawrence, police said.

Police were called to reports of pedestrians struck about 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the 4400 block of North Post Road. That’s between 42nd and 46th streets.

Initial reports from Lawrence police said two children, ages 7 and 11, had been struck and killed.

However, shortly before 11:30 p.m., Gary Woodruff, deputy chief of police, said the 11-year-old boy died but a 15-year-old boy, who also was struck, had injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The department apologized for the error.

The boys were trying to cross Post Road to travel from east to west between apartment complexes.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the juveniles remained at the scene, Woodruff said. A blood draw was being taken on the driver, but there were no immediate indications of impaired driving.

No additional information was immediately available from police.

Statement

“We are heartbroken to learn that last night, two young brothers out enjoying the summer night on their bikes were struck by a car as they attempted to cross Post Road. One brother, just 11 years old, was killed; his 15-year-old brother was seriously injured. This morning, as many of our neighbors are sending up their Sunday prayers, we hope they will join us in sending up one for the family and loved ones of these boys as they grapple with their devastating loss.

“Unfortunately, last night’s accident was one of several in recent weeks involving cars and pedestrians or cyclists. We implore motorists in our Districts and across the city to slow down and be extra careful to look out for your neighbors on foot or bicycles. Doing so can reduce the number of preventable and senseless accidents and help other families avoid this type of tragedy.”

Indianapolis City-County councillors La Keisha Jackson and Keith Graves