LAPD denies claims officer hit child during South Los Angeles police chase
LAPD slams report an officer hit a child during pursuit
The LAPD has released a statement detailing what happened in South Los Angeles during a foot pursuit on Thursday night.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department is denying allegations that an officer hit a child during a pursuit in South Los Angeles Thursday night.
What we know:
The incident unfolded Thursday, July 30, as LAPD officers were in pursuit of an allegedly armed man in the area of Avalon Boulevard and East 88th Place.
According to witnesses at the scene, an LAPD officer struck a little girl who was unrelated to the pursuit a short distance from where police were pursuing suspects.
"The young lady parked, parallel parked to get off the car to take out her daughter," said one witness, who asked to remain anonymous. "Her daughter got out, the police hit her, the girl flew."
The girl’s family told FOX 11 that both the child and her mother were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police chase ends in crash; 3 taken to hospital
A police chase takes a grave turn as witnesses tell FOX 11 a little girl who had nothing to do with the pursuit was hit by an LAPD officer in South Los Angeles.
What they're saying:
The LAPD released a statement Friday and denied the allegations.
"The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of a report suggesting that an officer struck a young child with a vehicle during a pursuit in the area of Avalon Boulevard and 88th Place. Southeast Division officers were in foot pursuit of a man with a gun and requested backup. A unit responding to the backup request was traveling northbound Avalon Boulevard when a grey SUV conducted a U turn in front of the responding unit, resulting in a traffic collision.
The occupants in the SUV, an adult and child, complained of pain and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Additionally, the involved officers complained of pain and were transported to a local hospital. No other individuals were injured as a result of the collision, and at no time did the police vehicle collide with a pedestrian.
We understand the concern any report involving a child can cause, and we take those reports seriously. The circumstances of the foot pursuit and unrelated traffic collision remain under investigation."
Young victim's mother releases a statement
The child's mother also released a statement to FOX 11 about the incident.
"At this time, I will not be commenting on the specific details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing. What I can say is that my daughter and I were innocent bystanders who had nothing to do with the police pursuit.
While officers were involved in a pursuit of another individual, our vehicle was impacted despite the fact that we were completely uninvolved. What happened should never have happened. There was a clear responsibility to operate with care, protect the public, and take every precaution necessary, especially when children are present.
The impact of this incident has caused our family unimaginable physical, emotional, and mental pain. My focus right now is on my daughter’s & my own recovery and making sure she receives the care and support she needs.
I trust that the investigation will reveal the full circumstances of what occurred and that accountability will follow where it is warranted. My hope is that no other family has to experience the fear and trauma we have endured because of a preventable situation."
The Source: This report referenced information provided by witnesses, in addition to the Los Angeles Police Department.