Two-year-old life-lined after being hit by car
RUSSELLVILLE -- A two-year-old Coates-ville boy was life-lined Monday afternoon after being hit by a car in front of his uncle's home in Russellville, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department reported.
Two-year-old Brice Corel had been playing in his uncle's yard Monday afternoon just before 12:30 p.m. when Lucille W. Thomas, 82, Greencastle, had stopped by the residence on South McKinley Street.
Thomas had been speaking with Ryan Corel to make arrangements for him mow her lawn when the two-year-old reportedly wandered in front of the vehicle.
"She was not aware she struck the child and returned to her residence down the road," Deputy Matt Biggs said. "Ryan Corel stated that he heard the child screaming and went to him."
Ryan informed Biggs that he then picked the child up and walked down the fire department where he found no assistance available.
"Receiving no response there, he then went to the service station, operated by a fireman," Biggs explained. "The service station was closed and he then began walking back to the residence."
With Brice in his arms, Ryan was stopped by a concerned neighbor after hearing the youngster screaming.
"The neighbor stated the kid had abrasions on his arms and was bleeding from his ear," Deputy Biggs said.
The neighbor then contacted the Russellville Town Marshal Mike Biggs, who responded to the scene and called for assistance from the Russellville and Community Volunteer Fire Department and Operation Life.
Upon arrival of emergency services it was determined that the Brice needed to be flown via emergency medical helicopter to Riley Children's Hospital at Indianapolis.
"I spoke to Ryan Corel who stated that he went to his sister's house and he picked the child up to watch him for the weekend. He stated he had lost the child several times the same day," Deputy Biggs said.
Child Protective Services was called to the scene as a result of a belief that Ryan may have a cognitive disability, he noted.
"At this time the only information I have on the child is that he had a fractured spine or possible skull fracture," Biggs said.