A driver in Connecticut carried a teenage boy he hit for more than 4 miles on his vehicle’s roof before allegedly pushing the critically injured boy off and leaving him for dead on the side of the road, police said.
Shortly after 9 p.m. Friday evening, the Avon Police Department received a call from someone who reported debris had been littered in middle of the road around the area of Arch Road and Security Drive, Avon police said in a news release shared on Facebook.
Upon arriving, officers found a damaged bicycle, a cell phone, and loose amounts of candy—obvious indications of an accident. However, no trace of the cyclist could be found.
Police temporarily closed the road to preserve the scene for further investigation.
A short while later, police received another call from a person who said an injured teenager was lying on the side of the road, more than four miles from where the damaged bicycle was found, police said.
Two people driving on Harris Road saw a red Subaru Forester pulled over by the side of the road. A little later, the SUV then drove “erratically” around them, police said.
The reckless driving behavior raised suspicion with the two good samaritans, who decided to return to where they had seen the Subaru pull over.
There, they found an injured teenage boy and immediately called 911.
“They, along with Avon Police Officers, administered aid to the juvenile until American Medical Response transported the juvenile to Hartford Hospital,” the police statement read.
The victim was later identified as Liam Shields, a 10th-grade student at Avon High School.
Witness information helped police identify the red Subaru driver, which had heavy front-end damage.
29-year-old Alex Joel Rivera has been charged with various charges, including first-degree reckless endangerment and evading responsibility regarding serious physical injury. Police also said Rivera was driving the car without a license and did not rule out additional charges to be filed as the investigation continues.
“The Avon Police Department commend the Good Samaritans for their actions and quick thinking during this incident,” the police said.
Meanwhile, Jenna Eldridge, a close friend and colleague of Liam’s mother, launched a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses.
“Her son had the worst nightmare of her life and was hit while biking in Avon in a hit and run accident,” Eldridge wrote.
“He’s fighting for his life with significant injuries. While his family is by his side, we’re looking to raise money to support the family now and into the future days as they sit by Liam’s side and pray for a full recovery.”
According to Eldridge, Liam plays on the school’s soccer team. He also has a twin brother.
So far, the campaign has raised over $58,000 and has yet to reach its goal.