A driver operating a black Ford Focus was taken into custody on Monday after striking an 11-year-old boy who was walking to his school in Miami Gardens, Florida, as reported by the Miami Gardens Police.
The child, a student at Parkland Elementary School, was airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center with serious head injuries but is currently in stable condition, according to Telemundo 51.
Authorities stated that the driver "attempted to bypass slow-moving traffic by driving over the grass verge, at which point the vehicle collided with a tree and subsequently hit the young pedestrian."
The child's grandmother, Stephany Larrymore, confirmed to the media on the scene that the accident occurred just two blocks from the school.
"He was on his way to school, crossing the street, and I heard that the person hit them on the sidewalk. I don't understand how this happened," Larrymore expressed, describing the incident as "insane, especially in a school zone with so many children walking to school."
The boy's brother witnessed the accident. "This is something traumatic for him," the grandmother noted, adding that the family has a history of brain injuries, which heightens their concerns about the child's condition.
Medical tests, including an MRI, were conducted to rule out internal bleeding or brain injuries, and fortunately, there are no fractures, Larrymore confirmed.
The driver was arrested at the scene and will face a charge of reckless driving. The authorities have not disclosed the driver's identity.
Surveillance footage captured two children crossing the street moments before a loud crash was heard. A neighbor, alerted by the noise, rushed out of his house: "I thought it was a bomb or a power outage, so I ran out and asked my wife to call the police."
This incident has reignited residents' complaints about speeding in the area. Local resident Rita Rodriguez pointed out that "the speed limit is supposed to be 30 miles per hour, but we've seen cars going at 40, 50 miles, or even faster." Her husband, Pedro Ramirez, added, "I have two kids that age, and you live in fear when they go out to play."
Miami Gardens has a troubling history of traffic accidents near schools. In February 2024, a child was critically injured after being hit near his school in the same city. In October 2023, a minor was fatally struck while riding a bicycle to school in Miami. In June 2025, the perpetrator of a fatal hit-and-run in Miami Gardens was apprehended.
The Miami-Dade area records 164 traffic accidents daily and ranks 11th among the most pedestrian-dangerous areas in the United States, according to Smart Growth America. In April, another accident in Miami Gardens claimed a young life, underscoring that the issue of road violence in the area remains unresolved.
In Florida, a reckless driving charge can lead to up to 90 days in jail for a first offense, with harsher penalties if serious injuries are involved.
Common Questions About Traffic Safety in Miami Gardens
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Florida?
In Florida, reckless driving can result in up to 90 days in jail for a first offense, with increased penalties if severe injuries occur.
How prevalent are traffic accidents in Miami-Dade?
The Miami-Dade area experiences 164 traffic accidents daily and is ranked 11th among the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in the U.S.
What measures are being taken to address speeding in school zones?
Local authorities and residents are advocating for stricter enforcement of speed limits and increased awareness to ensure children's safety in school zones.