NEWPORT, N.C. — A 4-year-old girl is expected to recover after being struck by a vehicle Sunday afternoon near a Newport recreation area, authorities said.
The Newport Police Department responded at 1:50 p.m. on March 29 to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian incident on Howard Boulevard near East Forest Drive, adjacent to the Newport Little League field.
The child sustained traumatic blunt force injuries and received initial treatment at the scene before being transported to Carteret Health Care and later airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Officials confirmed she is doing well and will fully recover.
According to investigators, the crash occurred near a crosswalk, but it remains undetermined whether the child was in the crosswalk at the time of the incident.
The driver, identified as Jesus Velasquez, 51, of Newport, remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. Preliminary information suggests he was not exceeding the posted 35 mph speed limit.
Velasquez was cited for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license. No additional charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police reported this is the only known pedestrian crash at this location and urged drivers to exercise caution, especially near parks and recreational facilities.