By Gilbert Hoffman
A 14 year old boy was struck by a train last Tuesday afternoon, as he was running from police after alegedly being involved in a house break-in at 9706 Pettibone Street.
Police said that 4 or 5 boys were taking part in a kick-in robbery, but were discovered by neighbors who called police. As the police arrived, the boys scooped up about 22 items and fled. One of them ran toward the railroad tracks along Hirsch Road, and was struck by a freight train, according to Officer A. Wright of the HPD. As the train was moving, he was struck along the rail line between Tidwell and Laura Koppe. The train traveled several hundred feet south before stopping. He was apprehended and taken to Ben Taub for treatment, not seriously hurt, with bruises of the leg, shoulder and head.
The EMT that responded said the boy was fortunate to be knocked off the track, as many pedestrians are dragged into or under a moving train.
A second juvenile was arrested in the area, and police are looking for 2 or 3 others. The two apprehended have been turned over to Juvenile Division, of Harris County.