12-Year-Old Darien Girl Hit By Vehicle: Police

DARIEN, CT — A 12-year-old local girl suffered minor injuries Tuesday afternoon after she was struck by a pickup truck while getting off a school bus on the Post Road near Outlook Drive, according to police.

The incident occurred at 4:10 p.m., and the girl was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and appears to only have suffered scrapes and bruises.

"The investigation revealed that a 12 year old Darien female middle school student had exited a full size school bus, which had stopped in the right lane facing eastbound on the Post Road (US1) to discharge student passengers," wrote police in a statement. "The bus was fully stopped with its external stop sign deployed and red lights flashing. The student, attempting to cross the Post Road in a northerly direction, was struck by the passenger side mirror of a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck traveling eastbound on the Post Road in the left lane."

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The operator of the truck, Rowayton resident Gary Hartog, 35, stopped immediately and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigating officers.

"Mr. Hartog stated he had looked down at his phone, which was reportedly on the seat and ringing, and did not see the stopped school bus or the pedestrian," wrote police.

He was issued an infraction for Failure to Stop for a School Bus (carrying a $465.00 fine), and Distracted Driving (carrying a $150.00 fine), according to police.

"The Darien Police Department remains fully committed to enforcing the Connecticut motor vehicle statutes involving distracted driving and the prohibition against using any type of hand held electronic device while driving. This incident clearly demonstrates the inherent dangers of distracted driving and the potential consequences for all involved."

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