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Boy struck by car after buying ice cream at truck

BY CHRISTINA HERNANDEZ | christina.hernandez@newsday.com; Timothy Robe

April 27, 2008

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An East Patchogue boy was critically injured yesterday when he was struck by a car after buying a treat from an ice cream truck near his home, Suffolk police and witnesses said.

Javier Reyes, 6, was hit by a northbound 2000 silver Mitsubishi at 2:28 p.m. when he stepped out from behind the ice cream truck and entered the road, police said. The truck was parked across the street from his home.

The unconscious boy was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center, police said, where was in critical condition last night, according to hospital spokeswoman Lauren Sheprow.

Relatives of the boy could not be reached for comment.

Police said the driver of the Mitsubishi, Arnold Garrison Jr., 20, of Bellport, remained at the scene. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to have played a factor in the crash, police said.

A man who only identified himself to Newsday as the Mitsubishi driver, but did not give his name, called the incident "an unfortunate accident."

"The little boy crossed out in front of the ice cream truck without looking," said the man, whom a witness also identified as the driver.

A woman who also did not give her name, but said she was a passenger in the Mitsubishi, said the boy "just jetted out."

"We slammed on the brakes, but the car was still sliding," she said. "He landed on top of the car and when the car finally did stop from skidding, he rolled off."

The driver of the ice cream truck declined to comment.

Police said the ice cream truck's flashing lights were operational and the Mitsubishi was impounded for a safety check.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Fifth Squad at 854-8552 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.

Timothy Robertson contributed to this story.

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