MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) – An 11-year-old boy who was struck by a car while walking to school in Miami Gardens is now out of the hospital and speaking to 7News about the terrifying incident.
Johnny Baptiste Jr. is now recovering at home after being released from Jackson Memorial Hospital on Wednesday.
“Hi everyone, I’m doing better, and thank you for your support,” said Baptiste in a video message posted shortly before his release.
Baptiste spoke with 7News at his home, and said he felt traumatized after the crash.
“I’m feeling glad to be home, and like I don’t feel good at the same time, because of my accident,” he said.
Baptiste showed 7News the bandages he has on his body, covering injuries on his head, legs and arms. He also said he remains in pain and felt uneasy about walking again.
“I’m kind of traumatized so I might not walk, or I might walk next week,” he said.
On Tuesday, the young boy had a nightmare of a morning when, Miami Gardens Police say, a car was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed when he swerved onto the swale to avoid slow traffic and crashed into a tree and struck the child.
Surveillance cameras captured audio and video of the crash.
The driver, who police identified as 23-year-old Jalen Darius Forbes, was arrested and charged with reckless driving.
At the time of the incident, the boy was walking with his cousin to school as he does every morning, according to his family.
Baptiste recounted the events of the crash that left him in serious but stable condition.
“Me and my cousin were going to school, and then we went on the sidewalk, and then my cousin tried to tell me that a car was speeding. And then, before he could tell me, it was too late and I got hit,” said Baptiste.
He shared his message to other drivers.
“If you’re the driver, be careful, because its a school zone. So slow down,” he said.
The child’s mother, Shakera Rolle, spoke with 7News on Tuesday over the phone from her son’s hospital room and shared her own message for the driver.
“I’m really hurt about the whole situation. You know, my son was just on the way to school, and I just wish he paid more attention to the road because there is a school zone,” she said.
Now, she’s grateful that her son is home and on the road to recovery.
Forbes has since bonded out of jail.
As for Baptiste, it may take a week of recovery before he could return to school.
Baptiste’s family have set up a GoFundMe to help with medical costs.
To donate, click here.
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