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Car hits boy when he runs into driver's path

By ALEX LEARY
Published March 11, 2005

	Michael Polk

ST. PETERSBURG - A 7-year-old boy was hit by a car and seriously injured Thursday afternoon after running into traffic on 61st Street S, officials said.

Michael Polk, a second-grader at Bear Creek Elementary, was in critical condition at All Children's Hospital and being treated for injuries to his head, neck and ankle.

"We're all hoping he pulls through," said his father, Donald Polk, who waited at the hospital Thursday night as Michael underwent a CAT scan.

The accident happened about 2:45 p.m. Police said Michael was on the east side of the road and attempted to cross in the middle of the block.

A northbound school bus had just passed by, apparently blocking Michael's view of a southbound 2003 Hyundai driven by Darlene Diaz, 38, of St. Petersburg.

Michael ran into the driver's side of the car, hitting the mirror and fender, a traffic report said. Diaz was not charged.

"The school bus was not dropping off any students, and played no part in the accident, other than blocking the view of the oncoming car," the report said.

"This is purely a pedestrian thing," said Pinellas County school spokesman Ron Stone.

Initially flown to Bayfront Medical Center, Michael was later transferred to All Children's Hospital.

Michael was walking home with several students, including his older brother, Austin. They were about a block from school. Austin "reached out to grab his brother but missed him by a couple inches," said their grandmother Carol Polk.

The school district notified Bear Creek Elementary parents of the accident in a phone message Thursday.

Michael is familiar with All Children's Hospital. He has attended clown school there for the past several weeks. Next month, he planned to show off his skills in the Festival of States parade, which features the hospital's Clown Alley.

"Maybe he can be in a wheelchair," his mother said.

[Last modified March 11, 2005, 01:22:10]