A 7-year-old boy is in critical condition and a dog was killed after the two were hit by a vehicle on a busy road in Beach Park Friday morning, police said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Beach Park Fire Department responded around 9:20 a.m. Friday to the area of Emily’s Pancake House, 38730 North Sheridan Road in Beach Park, for a vehicle crash.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ari Briskman said a 29-year-old Beach Park woman was driving a silver 2005 Ford Explorer on Sheridan Road north of Chaney Avenue.
A 7-year-old boy and a dog, both of whom were from Beach Park, entered the roadway and were struck by the Ford as it traveled northbound.
The child was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries, Briskman said.
The child is expected to be transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago for further treatment.
The dog was believed to be deceased and was removed from the scene by bystanders, Briskman said.
The driver of the Ford Explorer, who was the sole occupant in the vehicle, was not injured and remained at the scene.
The driver is cooperating in the investigation. Impairment is not believed to be a factor, Briskman said.
The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Technical Crash Investigation Unit.
The crash occurred in front of Emily’s Pancake House and the restaurant posted a short statement on social media.
“Thank you to all our customers that have been calling to check on us. Emily’s family is praying for the child that was struck in front of our business on Sheridan Road. In light of such a tragedy we can only send prayers and strength to the families involved!” the restaurant said.