Teen Hit By Car In Maplewood, Taken To Hospital

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A 15-year-old boy was taken to Overlook Medical Center in Summit on Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street, Maplewood police said Friday.

Police said the teen was struck by a vehicle near Summit and Elmwood avenues in Maplewood around 9:55 p.m., while crossing Elmwood Avenue. He suffered cuts to the right side of his head, shoulder, hands, and left ankle, police said.

South Orange Rescue squad arrived to treat him for his injuries, police said. Then, the child and his mother were taken to the hospital.

The driver told police he was traveling east on Elmwood Avenue toward Summit Avenue when he struck the teen. He said he didn't see the teen until he hit him, police said. He also said the teen didn't use the crosswalk.

The teen told police that he was walking south on Summit Avenue and went to cross Elmwood when he was struck.

According to police, he told them that "He was looking down listening to his music when he was attempting to cross over Elmwood Avenue and was struck. The juvenile stated to officers that he did utilize the crosswalk as he was attempting to cross, but never looked to see if any cars were coming prior to crossing the street."

Police said that an on-scene investigation determined that the driver was responsible for the crash.

The driver will be issued summonses, according to the police report from Lt. D. Lawson.