A 4-year-old boy was struck by a Marshalltown Police Department vehicle Saturday night. The vehicle was driven by Officer David Danielson.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Woodbury Street and North 12th Avenue. Danielson was conducting a routine patrol through the area at the time. The officer immediately summoned medical treatment for the child, who was transported to a medical facility. The Marshalltown Fire Department and the Unity Point Ambulance service responded.

The accident did not appear to result in serious injury. The boy, son of Laura Gonzalez-Saravia, was treated for a wound on his right foot and lower leg, and had various scratches and abrasions. He was treated and released, and will have additional medical follow-up later this week.

Gonzalez-Saravia said her son, Maximiliano Saravia, is doing better, but is complaining of pain. He woke up scared because he could not move his leg. His ankle is broken, but Maximiliano will see a specialist on Monday to determine a treatment plan, and how long recuperation will be.

Marshalltown Police Department Chief Mike Tupper said, upon reviewing the video from the police department vehicle, Danielson was trying to navigate around an ice cream truck, and the boy ran out in front.

“He [Danielson] had no chance to avoid him,” Tupper said. “I want to emphasize that I am not blaming anyone. Accidents happen.”

The chief said other children and adults were in the vicinity when the accident occurred, and added Gonzalez-Saravia was with her son right away.

“It happened fast,” Tupper said. “We are thankful the child is okay. I called the mom last night. We are going to stay in touch with her and make sure they have all the help they need.”

To help avoid similar accidents in the future, Tupper urged parents to talk to their children about safely crossing the street. He said children need to be watched closely, and be with an adult or a responsible older child who can help with crossing.

“Having five kids myself, I know this stuff happens,” Tupper said. “We are just really thankful no one was seriously injured.”

Danielson has been a Marshalltown police officer for 16 years, and works as uniformed patrol. An investigation of the accident is ongoing.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.