8-year-old dirt bike rider hospitalized after crash with police officer

The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a crash involving an SPD officer and an 8-year-old boy riding a dirt bike. The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, near the intersection of 23rd Street and Maple Avenue.

Neither the officer nor the minor have been identified.

According to the SPD, the officer was leaving the scene of a different call for service when the collision happened. The area from the 2100 block to the 2400 block of Maple Avenue was closed for several hours as investigators gathered evidence at the scene.

The child involved in the crash sustained serious injuries and was transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He underwent surgery on Monday night and remains under medical care surrounded by family.

The officer involved was not injured and is on restricted administrative duty.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.