Fridley Boy Hurt in Bike-Car Crash

A 13-year-old bicyclist suffered severe head-trauma injury from a crash with a car on Mississippi Street NE Thursday, according to police. 

The boy lives in the neighborhood immediately south of the crash site at Mississippi and Third streets NE, police said, and was not wearing a helmet.

Here is an account of the incident from Lt. Bob Rewitzer:

On July 14th at 1:05 pm Fridley Police, Fridley Fire Rescue and Allina Paramedics were dispatched to a personal injury traffic accident involving a car and bicyclist at Mississippi St and 3rd St.

Responding officers found that a 26-year old Vadnais Heights woman driving a car east on Mississippi St near 3rd St struck a teen-aged male riding a bike.

The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and suffered a severe head trauma; he was transported to HCMC for treatment.

Due to the severity of injury involved, an accident reconstructionist from the State Patrol was requested as well as the Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Lab of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (routine procedure in any death or near-death case occurring in Anoka County).

Initial assessment at the scene revealed no indication of wrongdoing on the part of the car driver; however, a conclusive statement cannot be made until the investigation has been completed by the responding agencies.

Identification of the bicyclist was made by the Fridley Police School Resource Officer who reviewed a database of school identification card photos until he found a likely match. Officers then made contact with parents and confirmed the bicyclist’s identity.