An ice cream truck driver accidentally hit and killed a 7-year-old boy in South Los Angeles, late Wednesday.
The child, who has been identified as Jamarion Thomas, was riding a motorized bicycle alongside the ice cream truck around 7 p.m. For unknown reasons, Thomas apparently slipped and was caught under the rear wheel of the truck and run over, according to police. The truck was traveling at 5 mph.
Thomas’s grandmother, Lanora Satterwhite, claims the boy was not on the bike and was instead walking the motorized scooter because it did not work. Thomas was taken to Harbor-UCLA Hospital where he later died in surgery.
Angry residents who witnessed the accident began to attack the driver and his truck. He only suffered bruises and minor injuries, however. The crowd allegedly used bricks and sticks to bash the truck’s windshield. Police say one may have pulled out a knife. According to reports, the Thomas’ mother may have been involved in the attack as well.
Police took the driver, who has not been named, into custody for his safety. He was not arrested. Investigators are searching for his attackers.
An arrest is not expected in this case, as Los Angeles police called Thomas’ death an “unfortunate accident.”