Minivan Runs Over, Kills 8-Year-Old Tulsa Boy

Emily Baucum, News on 6 & NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- An 8-year-old boy was killed when his parents' minivan backed over him Sunday afternoon. The accident took place at about 12:15 p.m. near 119th East Avenue and 15th Street.

According to Tulsa police, the child and his mother were about to leave the residence in a minivan when the mother had to go back into the house. 

Police said around 12:15 p.m. the woman put her 8-year-old son and 18-month-old baby in the minivan, then ran inside to grab her cell phone.

"On the way back out again, she hears the child screaming, 'Help me, Help me.' She looks around the corner and sees the child trying to put the car back in park again," said Sgt. Terry Maurer with the Tulsa Police Department.

Officers said the mother immediately rushed to help.

"The child either falls out or gets scared and jumps out of the car," Sgt. Maurer said.

Police said that's when the tire rolled over the boy's chest, pinning him to the ground.

"Mom sees this, puts the car in reverse to get the car off of him. A neighbor comes out, seeing the mom in the driveway by the curb, holding the child," Sgt. Maurer said.

That neighbor told News on Six she heard the mother's screams from inside her home next door. She has nearly two decades of medical experience and sprung into action as her husband called 911.

But the boy could not be revived and was later pronounced dead.

"It was just a terrible accident. As simple as mom getting her cell phone and just being gone for those few seconds," Sgt. Maurer said.

Officers said it's a horrible reminder of what can happen to anyone when kids are left alone in cars.

"Of course you should never leave a child unattended in a car. Anytime, not even just in the heat. Just anytime at all. Especially with the motor running also. Something as innocent as what happened today could happen anytime to any family," Sgt. Maurer said.

The 18-month-old child was uninjured.