An incident in Florida involving a Sarasota police officer colliding with an 8-year-old boy on a dirt bike has left the child seriously injured. The collision, which was captured on body camera footage, occurred as the officer was leaving the scene of a different call.
The boy, Gerard Butler, had recently received the minibike as an early birthday present and was riding it home after feeling scared by police activity in his neighborhood. The officer, whose name has not been released, can be seen in the footage turning left at an intersection without making a complete stop, then accelerating and hitting the child.
Following the collision, the officer quickly gets out of his patrol car, and Butler is shown lying on the ground far from the vehicle. Panicked neighbors gather around as the officer calls for backup and emergency medical aid. Despite attempts at CPR by the police, a defibrillator is not available at the scene.
Butler was rushed to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where he underwent two brain surgeries and a knee surgery. He is also scheduled for jaw surgery. His mother, Regina Sanders, told reporters that her son has only been able to move his legs slightly and cough since being admitted to the hospital.
Sanders expressed her shock and distress over the situation, stating that she has never experienced anything like this before. The Sarasota Police Department reported that the officer involved in the collision was uninjured but deeply affected by the incident. He has been placed on restrictive administrative duty while an investigation is ongoing.
The release of the graphic body camera footage online has sparked outrage and concern among community members, with many questioning the actions of the officer leading up to the collision. The incident has also raised important discussions about police protocols and safety measures when responding to calls in residential areas.
As the investigation continues, the Sarasota Police Department has promised to provide updates on the case and take appropriate action based on the findings. Meanwhile, supporters of Gerard Butler and his family have been rallying together to offer assistance and support during this difficult time.
