A 3-year-old child is in critical condition after he and his mother were hit by a car in Meriden on Friday while waiting for another child to be dropped off by the bus.
Officers were called to Summer Street and Wood Street shortly before 4 p.m. after getting a report of two pedestrians who were hit by car.
According to police, the mother was found on the ground next to the driver's door. She was taken to Hartford Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Her 3-year-old son was found partially under the passenger side of the vehicle from his waist down. He was transported to Connecticut Children's and is listed in critical condition.
The mother and her son were waiting at the school bus stop for another child who was getting out of school, authorities added.
Police said the car that hit the mother and her son was passing a van when the crash happened.
"At that point, the van began to take a left turn onto the street here and the person behind them decided they were taking a left turn. Instead of hitting the brake, they hit the accelerator because it looks like we have a little speed here," said Lt. Thomas Cossette, the commander of the Accident Reconstruction Unit.
Officers have identified the driver as 25-year-old Jeidy Polanco, of Meriden, and said she is cooperating. According to police, charges are expected.
The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Meriden Police Department at (203) 630-6215.
