Sound Beach Boy in Serious Condition After Being Struck by Taxi

Twelve-year-old John Vento was seriously injured when he was struck by a car on Plandome Road in Sound Beach Thursday, according to Suffolk Police.

Darnell Edwards, 24, was operating a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Islandwide Taxi westbound when he approached the top of a hill and struck Vento, who was heading east driving a mini dirtbike, at approximately 4 p.m.

Vento was thrown from the dirt bike, struck the taxi and fell to the ground. Seventh Precinct Patrol Officer Jamie Rios, with the help of a Good Samaritan, performed CPR on Vento until an ambulance arrived.

The boy was transported to by the Sound Beach Fire Department Rescue. He was treated for head, leg and neck injuries and was listed in serious condition. He was not wearing a helmet, Police said.

 The vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation by Seventh Squad detectives is continuing.