On Monday, June 4, 2012, an unfortunate auto accident occurred near East Mecklenburg Highschool. A 15-year-old freshman was hit by a vehicle on his way home from high school.
Brandon Isaiah Peterson remains hospitalized at Carolinas Medical Center for the injuries he sustained in this accident. Witnesses said the impact from the car flung Peterson in the air and his body shattered the windshield of the car that struck him. It is reported that he suffered head injuries and a broken leg.
The accident happened Monday afternoon around 12:35 p.m. in the 6800 block of Monroe Road. Peterson and two other students had just finished the first day of final exams for high school students and were leaving the school when the incident occurred.
According to police, Richard Cromwell, the driver of a 1996 Toyota Camry, was headed outbound on Monroe Road when he tried to change lanes. Instead, the Toyota Camry struck a Buick Regal that also was headed outbound. The impact caused the Camry driver to lose control and the Camry went up on the sidewalk and struck Peterson.
The three students had been standing on the sidewalk waiting for the bus when the accident occurred. The two other students had seen the Camry coming towards them but did not have time to warn Peterson and get him out of harm’s way.
Police are still investigating the incident, but they do not think neither speed nor alcohol was involved in the crash. The driver of the Camry, Richard Cromwell, could face charges, but we will have to wait until the police finish their investigation.