Child Struck By Miami Police Cruiser Released From Hospital
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A young child hit by a police cruiser earlier this month finally went home.
On February 3rd, 6-year-old Antoine Lawson was outside, on his scooter, crossing the street at NW 5th Ave. and 58th St.
That's when, according to the police, he suddenly appeared between two parked trucks, essentially hiding him from a police officer out on patrol.
"He was twisted up, head leaking. It looked like he was dead," said Zahkina Simon, a family friend.
Cellphone video captured the scene, as bystanders ran to his side.
Antoine, whose nickname is "Dirt," was rushed to Jackson Memorial with a broken leg, broken pelvis and other injuries.
He immediately underwent surgery.
Friday, more than three weeks later, Antoine went home – with more balloons than we could count.
"He's good, staying positive, playing video games because that's all he could really do," said his mom, Janet Martinez.
Martinez said her son remembers very little about the accident.
"He told us he looked both ways, didn't see the car," she explained. "That's all he remembers before everything went black."
With his heat head band, and still in a body cast, Antoine said he's feeling better – not in any more pain.
His family gently placed him in the back of an SUV. Things are going to be tough.
"I'm just glad that we are going home, and that my baby is going to be okay. Things could have been a whole lot worse," Martinez said.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Neighbors said the officer was speeding at the time.
Martinez said no one from the City of Miami Police Department has reached out to her since the accident.
