KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A woman is charged in Wyandotte County Court in a hit-and-run wreck Monday near Turner Middle School.
Whitney Lynn Purvis, 28, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury and driving while suspended.
The 13-year-old who was run over by a car while crossing the street, Ian McGregor, remains hospitalized.
An eyewitness to the crash, which occurred on South 55th Street near Osage Ave, told 41 Action News on Wednesday that he didn't believe the driver who struck the child was speeding. But he does believe she was distracted.
Darren Dille will never forget the moment he watched a vehicle crash into Turner Middle School student Ian McGregor.
"He's struggling to get up and get out of the way of the vehicle, the vehicle inched forward and trapped him then proceeded to drive over him, dragging him — rolling his poor body," Dille said.
Dille watched it all happen from his car a few feet away.
The woman behind the wheel kept driving, leaving Dille and others to call for help for McGregor.
"I saw the boy go into convulsions," Dille said. "I thought that that was the end," Dille said.
Paramedics responding to the scene transported McGregor to Children's Mercy Hospital, where he continues to recover.
A spokesperson for McGregor's family student released a statement Wednesday to 41 Action News:
"Ian's family would first and foremost like to thank all those that have helped during this difficult time. They are grateful for your donations, good thoughts and physical presence. A family friend said recently, "this is Turner, that's what we do for our friends." You can help with medical expenses and loss of wages, while his parents are with him in the hospital, by donating to the "McGregor Family We Love You" GoFundMe account."
KCK police arrested the driver shortly after she allegedly struck McGregor.
Dille said he hopes she receives a severe punishment and that other drivers are mindful.
"Be aware of what you're doing when you're driving," he said. "You're operating what could be potentially a lethal weapon."
While Dille doesn't believe the driver that hit McGregor was speeding in this instance, residents said the area is dangerous for pedestrians.
"When complaints or concerns are received, they are distributed to the appropriate personnel to be addressed," a KCK police spokesperson told 41 Action News "Citizens can reach us at 913-573-6000 to inform us of concerns regarding speeding or message us on any of our social media platforms"
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas has not received any complaints regarding the intersection, according to Public Works Community Engagement Officer Dave Reno.
"Pedestrian safety is a top priority, so the City's Traffic Engineer will certainly be looking into this," Reno said.
