KSHB 41 reporter Rachel Henderson covers neighborhoods in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties. Share your story idea with Rachel.
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A Kansas City-area family is mourning the loss of a 4-year-old boy who was struck and killed Monday night by the driver of an Amazon delivery truck.
The family of Tadens Joseph told me Tuesday that he loved Spider-Man, school and pizza.
Around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Joseph was playing in the grassy area of a park in the 1800 block of E. 3rd Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.
At about the same time, the driver of the Amazon van had completed a package delivery and was driving west on E. 3rd Terrace toward Woodland Avenue when Joseph entered the roadway and was struck.
Paramedics and police were called to the scene, but Joseph did not survive his injuries.
Police say the driver of the Amazon van initially stopped at the scene but then left before officers arrived. One of Joseph’s family members followed the Amazon driver and told them what had happened.
However, the driver denied involvement and left the area, per police.
Police said Tuesday afternoon that detectives have identified a subject of interest and that person has been taken into custody for further investigation.
KCPD was able to contact Amazon and the local third-party delivery driving company. Both entities are cooperative in the investigation, according to police.
"Our deepest sympathies are with the child's family during this incredibly difficult time," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday to KSHB 41 News. "We'll cooperate fully with the Kansas City Police Department in their active investigation and defer to them for additional details."
Detectives are now working with prosecutors to gather all necessary investigative findings, including reconstruction, witness interviews, forensic or video evidence, and any other associated evidence.
Police said once that part is complete, the case file will be submitted to prosecutors for their review and determination of any applicable charges.
KCPD stressed that these investigations are complex and can take several weeks to complete.
Joseph's death marks the city's 25th traffic fatality this year, compared to 21 at the same time last year.
Neighbor Leo Contreras, who lives across the street from Maple Park, said he was stunned by what happened, calling it an "unfortunate" incident.
"You wouldn't expect it, especially near a park. It's pretty unbelievable."
Contreras also questioned how the driver could have been unaware of the collision.
"I don't know how you don't know you hit someone, right? I mean, you would think that would feel it, or you would hear it, or something."
Joseph's family invited me inside their home, but they were too emotional to speak on camera.
An old pizza sat on top of their microwave that Joseph's uncle said was supposed to be his.
Now it sits untouched, a reminder of a tragic loss.
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