A 7-year-old boy veered off a sidewalk and into the path of a pickup truck Friday, May 16, near Mt. Pleasant Middle School, according to police. The collision, which left the child with non-life-threatening injuries, brings attention to bicycle safety and driver awareness.

According to a recently released statement from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:57 p.m. in the 400 block of North Adams Street. Police said the child was riding his bicycle southbound on the west sidewalk when he suddenly entered the roadway and was struck by a southbound blue 2011 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jacob Swailes.

Emergency crews from Henry County EMS responded quickly. The child was conscious and alert, with a scrape and bruising to his face, and was transported to Henry County Health Center for further evaluation.

Police said surveillance footage showed the child turning into the road unexpectedly. They reported no signs of impairment in the driver, and no citations have been issued. The case remains open and assigned to Officer Kyle Vaughn as standard investigative procedures continue.

The incident happened just outside Mt. Pleasant Middle School, where a group of children were riding their bikes in the surrounding neighborhood.

In their statement, MPPD reminded all road users to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly in areas frequented by children.

Although the child’s injuries were not life-threatening, the incident highlights the potential severity of bicycle-related crashes — especially those involving children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such collisions can have life-altering consequences. Nearly three-quarters of all bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas, and children are particularly vulnerable in traffic.