10-year-old Watsonville boy in critical condition after being hit by car

A 10-year-old is in a Bay Area trauma center with critical injuries after he was hit by a car Wednesday night as he crossed the road in a crosswalk.

A Watsonville police officer was at a stop light on the corner of Riverside Drive and Martin Street when he saw a purple PT Cruiser speed through. He made his way toward that car to find it had struck the boy, who was on his scooter, where Main Street meets First Street.

That officer started treating the young victim at the scene before he was flown out to a trauma center for medical assistance.

The boy’s family was also crossing, but wasn’t hit.

The 19-year-old Prunedale woman driving the car told officers she hit the boy because she sped up in an effort to make the light and was unable to stop in time.

Police don’t believe alcohol or drugs were involved and haven’t filed any charges yet.

The investigation is ongoing.