Police: Boy attempting to board school bus hit by vehicle in St. Paul

Police reported a 7-year-old boy was in a crosswalk attempting to board a school bus when he was hit by another vehicle in St. Paul Thursday morning.

Police said the boy is "in critical but stable condition."

A KSTP crew at the scene reported the incident happened in the area of South Robert Street and East Wood Street.

St. Paul police spokesman Steve Linders confirmed that the boy was hit by a vehicle at about 6:30 a.m. Police added he was walking with two siblings when he was hit.

A witness at the scene told the KSTP crew she saw the child hit by the vehicle while the boy was trying to board the bus. She said the bus stop arm was activated at the time.

Linders said it is important for drivers to pay attention to pedestrians.

"We have had, in the city of St. Paul, several people struck by vehicles this year and it's been an initiative we have taken quite seriously," Linders said. "We have the 'Stop for Me' campaign and we are all in this city together, so just keep your eyes open, your head on the swivel. Following the law is critically important, as we learned this morning."

Authorities said the 59-year-old driver of the vehicle is cooperating with police. Police said a preliminary breath test indicated alcohol was not a factor in the incident. Police are also reviewing security video of the incident.

Police temporarily closed Robert Street south of Plato Boulevard during the investigation.

The principal of Higher Ground Academy confirmed the student is a second-grader at the school.

"Please pray for his quick recovery," Higher Ground Academy Principal Samuel Yigzaw said. "May his family and the entire Higher Ground Academy family have strength during this challenging time." 

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