Toddler dies in north Tulsa parking lot accident; shots fired at driver

TULSA, Okla.–Outrage and grief filled the air Tuesday night after a driver reportedly hit and killed a 3-year-old boy, dragging his body five to 10 feet across the parking lot of a north Tulsa apartment complex in what has been described as a tragic accident.

Tulsa Police Department received numerous calls of an alleged hit-and-run at the Bradford Apartments near MLK Boulevard and Gilcrease Expressway.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the child ran into the path of a moving car and was struck. First responders were called to the scene and the child was transported to the hospital. Sadly, the 3-year-old died from injuries sustained in the incident,” TPD stated in a Facebook post.

While initial reports of the accident described the driver fleeing the parking lot after striking the toddler, TPD later stated the driver accidentally struck the child and fled after adults in the complex started shouting and firing shots at the driver.

“As emotions were high, multiple individuals approached the driver of the vehicle and began to threaten him. Fearing that the tension would escalate, the driver left the scene and called 911,” TPD added.

No charges filed in parking lot accident

Police say the driver eventually returned to the scene once police arrived and agreed to perform a blood test, though the driver isn’t suspected of being under the influence.

Evidence obtained from the scene, indicates that the driver was operating at a reasonable speed for the location.

“At this time, no charges are being filed against the driver,” TPD stated. According to News on 6, officers are investigating why the toddler was alone in the parking lot.

Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage to determine who fired the shots at the driver. Neither the driver nor the deceased child have been publicly identified.

The tragic parking lot accident is eerily similar to a situation that occurred in Houston several months ago. In that instance, an Uber driver accidentally backed over a child who was walking behind the vehicle without adult supervision. The child’s family began beating the driver, who ultimately fled. He was later suspended from the ride-sharing company.

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