Boy, 4, Dies When Car Lurches Backward At Birthday Party

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – A 4-year-old boy died and a 13-year-old boy was injured when a car struck them Sunday afternoon outside the Benicia Senior Center, a police spokeswoman said.

The collision was reported at 4:45 p.m. outside the center at 187 E. L St., spokeswoman Officer Stephanie Polizziani said.

A 12-year-old boy was inside the car when it lurched backwards, striking the two others, Polizziani said.

"Preliminary investigation indicates the 12-year-old boy went to the car to charge his cell phone. The vehicle, which was unoccupied prior to the incident, somehow suddenly went into reverse and struck the two children, police said.

The 4-year-old died at a hospital. The other two boys both suffered minor injuries and were also taken to a hospital.

"Our detectives are still investigating the events that led to this tragedy," police said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families involved during this difficult time. and we will do everything we can to support them."

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--Bay City News contributed to this report/Shutterstock image