Lauderhill Boy Struck, Killed By Car

LAUDERHILL (CBS4) - Lauderhill Police are investigating after an 8-year-old boy died after he was struck by a car Saturday night.

The accident happened along Northwest 27th Court west of 56th Avenue on part of what locals call
"The U Block."

Traffic flows just one way, from west to east, and police said it's a well traveled stretch of road. Investigators were trying to figure out how a little boy ended up in the path of those vehicles Saturday night just before 7 o'clock.

"At some point the child got out in to the street and part of the investigation is to figure out how that happened," Lauderhill Police Captain Rick Rocco said.

Investigators questioned several witnesses to determine how the car hit the boy.

"We'll look at things like speed, lighting, whether or not he ran in to the roadway or was standing there. All questions we have to answer," Capt. Rocco said.

Neighbors said the little boy struck by the car goes by the nickname "Mike-Mike"

A man familiar with the boy, who goes by the name "Slim", said he's praying for the child and his family.

"(He's) a good little kid. Just unfortunate this right here happened right before Christmas. My heart goes out to the family," he said.

Police said the boy was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center where he was met by his mother. Investigators said a teenage babysitter was watching the child when the accident occurred.

The driver stayed on scene.

"It's just an accident. That's all it was." Slim said. "It could have been any kid. You gotta be careful. It hurts 'cause I got a daughter myself. Just tearing me apart."

Police on scene echoed his sentiment.

"It's a tragic situation," Capt. Rocco said. "It's been a rough weekend for everybody. Any time a child is struck by a car, it tears at your heart strings, especially this time of year."