GREENFIELD — A 15-year-old juvenile was struck by a car Thursday afternoon after he shoplifted from a hardware store in Greenfield.
Greenfield Police and Fire departments, along with American Medical Response, responded to the Aug. 10 incident in the 100 block of Eighth Street, where the involved driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with police.
“We confirmed that the driver was licensed, insured and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” police said. “After a thorough investigation, the driver was not found to be at fault.”
The juvenile suffered only minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
While officers were on scene, they received a report of a theft from a nearby hardware store that had just occurred.
“Our investigation, utilizing witness statements and security camera footage, revealed that the juvenile involved in the traffic incident had stolen spray paint from the hardware store moments before, and was running away from the store at the time of the accident,” police said.
The stolen merchandise was recovered from the accident scene.
“This incident brings to light the unpredictable nature of the road and the crucial need for vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians,” police said. “Even when we are following all rules and regulations, unforeseen events can happen without any warning, as this case illustrates. As drivers, it’s our responsibility to always be aware of our surroundings and be prepared for unexpected situations.”
