5-year-old on street in Atwater gets struck, flown to Valley Children’s Hospital

A young child was hospitalized Monday after they were struck by a vehicle in Atwater, according to authorities.

Atwater police officers responded just before 5 p.m. to the 5200 block of Crest Road, according to Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador.

Police said a man was driving a black Dodge pick up truck southbound on Crest Road when the vehicle struck the 5-year-old child.

Salvador said the child was flown to Valley Children’s Hospital for treatment of major injuries.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Police said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision.

Salvador said it currently was unknown why the child was in the street prior to the collision.

Salvador advised parents to be mindful of where their children are, especially when playing near the street.

The collision remains under investigation.