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Largo Police: Helmet Likely Saved Boy Hit By Falling Pole

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

LARGO - Sometimes it pays to wear a bicycle helmet even if you are not riding a bicycle.

Largo police say a helmet likely saved the life of a 12-year-old boy when a pole fell on his head in a chain of events at a school crossing Tuesday. The boy was holding his bicycle and waiting for crossing guards to guide him and his Largo Middle School schoolmates at Eighth Avenue Southwest and Ridge Road, Largo police said.

Nearby, a Chevrolet truck was backing into a parking space at a Fifth Third Bank when its brakes failed, said Lt. Mike Loux. The truck jumped a curb, crossed a stretch of grass and struck a pedestrian-crossing signal pole, causing the pole to fall on top of the 12-year-old boy, hitting him on the head, Loux said.

The boy fell, smacking his face on the pavement, with the pole on top of him, Loux said.

A school crossing guard lifted the pole off the boy and stayed at his side until paramedics arrived, Loux said.

The boy was flown to an area hospital for treatment and is in stable condition, Loux said.

The child has a laceration on his neck, minor facial injuries and a concussion. The bicycle helmet likely saved his life, Loux said.

The driver of the truck was cited for having improperly maintained brakes, Loux said.

The school resource officer at Largo Middle is expected to give the boy a certificate honoring him for wearing his helmet, Loux said. The SRO also will give the boy a new bicycle helmet, Loux said.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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