LANE COUNTY, OR — A 9-year-old child was hospitalized Saturday evening after being hit by a vehicle while passing out candy at a parade in Oakridge, reports KATU.
The incident took place near the corner of South Diamond Street and West 1st Street, during the city’s Parade of Lights event. Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a call for assistance from the Oakridge Police Department at about 7:00 p.m.
An early investigation shows a 69-year-old man was behind the wheel of a car when he tried to drive around the event at a high rate of speed. Authorities said he refused to acknowledge police officers and emergency lights just before his vehicle struck the child.
Medics rushed the victim to an area hospital with serious injuries. No updates of the patient’s condition have been disclosed.
Following the crash, the male driver was apprehended and booked into Lane County Jail. He faces charges of “Reckless Endangering, Reckless Driving, and Assault in the 2nd Degree.”
Have you or a loved one suffered injuries in a recent pedestrian crash at the hands of a careless driver in the Portland area? Under Oregon state law, your family has a right to pursue compensation. A dedicated Portland pedestrian accident lawyer at Herron Law is ready to support you in the next steps. Contact us by phone at 503-367-0829 or complete our contact form to start a conversation.
