SARASOTA, Fla. (Gray News) – An 8-year-old boy in Florida is fighting for his life after being hit by a police officer while riding his dirt bike.

The incident occurred at around 18.30 on Monday evening. WWSB reported.

Sarasota Police said the boy was on his dirt bike when an officer left the scene on a different call. That’s when they say the officer hit the boy.

Police Chief Rex Troche releases body camera footage of the crash Facebook while the investigation continues.

In the video, the police officer is seen becoming distraught when he realizes that he hit the child after making a left turn. He jumped out of his cruiser and ran to the boy. WPEC reported.

The 8-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital and continues to receive treatment there.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Regina Sanders, the 8-year-old’s mother.

She said her son had been moving his legs slightly and coughing since he was hospitalized.

These are the only improvements in his condition.

“I’m just trying to be strong for my other two kids at home,” Sanders said.

The officer was uninjured and was assigned to administrative duty.

The Sarasota Police Department is working with the Florida Highway Patrol on this investigation.

It remains an active investigation.

Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.