Salem toddler accidentally run over by 7-year-old sister, police say
Toddler, 2, flown to Boston hospital
A Salem 2-year-old was hospitalized Tuesday after she was run over by a car with her 7-year-old sister in the driver's seat.
Salem police said they are considering whether to file charges against the children's mother, saying that this wasn't the first time she allowed her child to start the car.
Police said the girls' mother called 911 after the accident. Investigators said she had given her car keys to the 7-year-old.
"Apparently, the mother had given the 7-year-old keys to go outside and start her vehicle, which was a 2003 Ford Focus," Capt. Joel Dolan said. "In doing so, when the girl started the vehicle, she was also able to manipulate the vehicle into gear. The vehicle went into reverse, backing over the 2-year-old, who had followed the 7-year-old outside."
Police said the mother was inside her apartment on South Policy Street when the toddler was run over, but she ran into the parking lot when she heard the 7-year-old screaming for help.
"The mother went outside, according to officer, as well as one of the neighbors," Dolan said. "They were able to pick up the 2-year-old, and they were also able to call 911. The Salem Fire Department as well as the Salem Police Department responded."
Police said the car ran over the girl's legs, causing some broken bones, as well as injuries to her chin and scalp and some bruising on the side of her body.
She was flown to Boston Children's Hospital with what are being called non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said they are still investigating, adding that children should never be allowed to start a car.
"They are inquisitive," Dolan said. "It might be something that they ask their parents to do, but to let them go out there and do it unsupervised on a piece of equipment that is as heavy and dangerous as a motor vehicle, it's just not good common sense."
Police said they are also working with the Division of Children, Youth and Families on the investigation.