SMITHFIELD, Va. — A 14-year-old boy is fighting for his life after someone struck him with a car and fled the scene in Isle of Wight County early Saturday morning.
According to a spokesperson for Virginia State Police, their troopers responded to a report of a crash on Benn's Church Boulevard not too far from the intersection with Riddick Road in Smithfield at around 12:25 a.m.
At that location, they found a badly injured 14-year-old boy. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The spokesperson said their investigation determined that the teen was walking a motorbike on Benn's Church Road when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, which then fled the scene.
One farmer who lives nearby told 13News Now that he often sees children ride motorbikes in his neighborhood.
“They ride around this area because usually during the daylight, it’s pretty fun. But, when it starts to get a little bit dark, it gets real dangerous," the farmer said.
The farmer said Benn's Church Boulevard is fairly narrow, especially for how many tractor-trailers there are. He wishes the town would add more streetlight to increase visibility.
“There’s a lot of elderly in this community as well with the children. So, I would like to see more lights in this area. I would like to see just some work done,” he said.
Deputy Alecia Paul with the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office said when walking along any busy road, there are several precautions you can take.
“You would want to wear bright clothing," Deputy Paul said. "You would want to tell someone where you’re going and about what time you’re going to be there.”
Deputy Paul also recommends not walking with earbuds walking against the flow of traffic.
State police are asking for the public's assistance and hoping that anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who may have information on the vehicle that fled the scene of the crash will call state police at #77 or at (804) 750-8788, or by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.