MERIDIAN, Mississippi — A child was critically injured Wednesday evening after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle in Meridian, city officials said.
Officers with the Meridian Police Department responded about 5:30 p.m. to the 1400 block of 19th Street, according to a statement from the city. Upon arrival, officers determined the child had been hit by a vehicle and emergency personnel had the child airlifted to a hospital in Jackson, where officials said the child remains in critical condition.
No further information, including the child’s identity or the circumstances leading to the crash, has been released. The department’s Traffic Enforcement Division is investigating the incident, and authorities said additional details will be released as they become available.
Assistant Police Chief Dareall Thompson asked the community for support. “We ask our community to lift this child and their family up in prayer during this difficult time,” Thompson said. “We also ask that you keep the officers who responded in your prayers as well.”
Mayor Percy Bland praised first responders and called for unity. “I am grateful for the quick and professional response of our Meridian Police Department and first responders,” Bland said. “In moments like this, we come together as a community. Please join me in keeping this child, the family, and everyone involved in your prayers.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
