SHILOH — A toddler was released from the hospital after being injured by a vehicle when a 12-year-old released the clutch, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
“Most of the injuries were on the left side of the body,” reported deputy Eric Wendling. “I observed some scratches on (the victim’s) left arm and shoulder that appeared to look like tread marks to a tire. (The victim’s) medical status is apparently OK at this time.”
An Ashland Samaritan Hospital spokesman said the victim was released and not transferred to another hospital. The Mansfield City Law Director’s Office reviewed the case and no charges will be filed.
The incident took place Sunday at approximately 2:35 p.m. in the 500 block of Ohio 96 East in Shiloh, according to the deputy’s report.
The victim’s female guardian was called into work and had trouble turning the key to get the vehicle running, Wendling noted. The female guardian told Wendling when she could not unlock the car, she then went back inside and continued getting ready for work.
The female guardian’s 12-year-old son came to help turn the key and he climbed into the driver’s seat. The boy’s 10-year-old sister came out holding the toddler. She set the child down on the ground then went into the passenger seat of the vehicle.
The 12-year-old told Wendling he pushed the clutch, moving the car. The 10-year-old girl in the passenger’s seat told him to stop moving the vehicle.
According to the report, the vehicle continued rolling and struck the toddler, who had crawled into the driveway and was facing in an “unknown direction.” The vehicle continued to roll, and came to a rest after striking a second vehicle.
The female guardian stated as she passed the front door, she heard the toddler crying. She then went outside and found the toddler underneath the vehicle. The child was “all scratched up,” the report said.
Children Services will be faxed the sheriff’s report and are also in contact with the hospital, the report said.
