A 13-year-old boy was left clinging to life when he was struck by a police cruiser on its way to respond to a 911 call while riding his bicycle in Long Island over the weekend, authorities said.
Anthony Stinson was pedaling west across the intersection of William Floyd Parkway and Adobe Drive in Shirley around 7:50 p.m. Saturday when he was struck by the cop car, the Suffolk County Police Department said.
The driver, a Seventh Precinct patrol officer, was heading south on William Floyd Parkway with her lights and sirens on when she struck the teen, authorities said.
She went on to strike another vehicle stopped in traffic, a tree and two parked cars on Margin Drive West – in an apparent attempt to swerve and avoid the young bicyclist, according to police and a WCBS report.
Authorities say the cop had a green light and was responding to a 911 call about an elderly woman in medical distress when the crash happened.
Stinson’s mother, Claudia, told WCBS she heard the crash from her home and rushed to the intersection where she found her son – who just celebrated his 13th birthday earlier in the week – gravely injured.
“When I found him, I found him about 20 feet from where the impact [happened],” she said.
“I’m very proud of Anthony. I’m very proud of his achievements,” the distraught mom added of her son.
The teen was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
The officer was taken to the same hospital, where she was treated and released for minor injuries, cops said.
No one else was hurt.
Stinson’s friends were tearful as they gathered at a vigil Sunday night.
“He was really funny, always trying to make us laugh and he cared about everyone,” one pal told WCBS. “I’m praying for him, hoping he makes it through and a miracle happens.”
Neighbor Johnny Ray told the outlet the cruiser struck his parked car before it finally stopped in his yard.
“[The officer] wasn’t in the vehicle,” Ray said. “By the time I went from my front door to her car, she was already out holding [the injured teen].”
“These roadways are a mess,” he added. “Constant accidents on this corner.”