Full Notification

At approximately 7:56am this morning, the 11 year old victim was struck by a passing motorist as he was crossing San Bernardino Street on his way to school. He had just been dropped off by a relative and was within the marked crosswalk, crossing southbound toward Vernon Middle School. A passing pickup truck, also at the intersection, began to cross at the same time and the victim was struck and possibly run over as the truck passed. The collision resulted in significant head injuries to the victim. The driver of the truck immediately stopped after recognizing the collision had occurred. The juvenile received aid at the scene before being transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver and several witnesses have been cooperating with investigators, however the ultimate cause of the collision is still under investigation.

The Montclair Police Department has learned of a rumor being spread at the school and possibly in social media the victim was fleeing a fight at the school, and was running into traffic when the collision occurred. This rumor appears to have originated with students at the school passing on what they believed they heard happened to their friends. This rumor has no basis in fact and has been disproved by numerous witnesses, including family members of the deceased.

In an urgent plea to the community, the Montclair Police Department wants to remind everyone September is the California Office of Traffic Safety’s Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month. Montclair Police as well as surrounding agencies are focusing education and enforcement efforts to reduce pedestrian/vehicle related incidents. The community can do their part by watching for and exercising caution near pedestrians on or near roadways when driving and pedestrians being alert and aware when crossing the roadway for vehicles. Never allow yourself to become distracted, driving or walking.