7th grader seriously hurt after being struck by car in Gastonia

GASTONIA, N.C. — Authorities said a seventh-grade student at Grier Middle School in Gastonia was taken to the hospital after being struck by an SUV in front of the school on Thursday morning.

Emergency crews were called just after 7 a.m. to the scene on East Garrison Boulevard.

Police told Channel 9 that the boy was running across the street and not in a crosswalk when he was hit by the SUV.

Officials said the boy suffered serious leg and head injuries and was taken to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, but that he would be OK.

The driver of the SUV stopped and held the student's hand until paramedics arrived, police said.

That driver is not facing any charges.

"It's backed up all the way down on both sides,” said Randy Outz, who owns a flower shop nearby.

Outz said he is not surprised the accident happened, based on the traffic he sees along the busy four-lane road.

"Well, I see it in the mornings,” Outz said. “See them coming and walking and then crossing and usually there's a patrolman here."

Outz said he would like to see drivers along Garrison Boulevard take more safety precautions.

"More patrol,” Outz said. “Well, I mean if they would just be more cautious about how they speed here."

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