Editor's note: An earlier version of this story indicated the driver was arrested. IMPD later said she was taken for a blood draw and released pending further investigation.
INDIANAPOLIS – A 12-year-old girl was critically hurt after being hit by a vehicle while trying to board her school bus Wednesday morning.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:20 a.m. to a crash involving a pedestrian near N. Kitley Ave. and E. Washington St.
Police said a school bus was stopped at a red light as the girl made her way toward it. The light turned green, and the bus extended its stop arm. The driver of a Jeep heading eastbound didn't see the girl or the stop arm and hit her, IMPD said.
The girl was taken to Riley Hospital for Children in critical but stable condition with lower extremity injuries and possibly some internal bleeding.
Police were interviewing witnesses and checking nearby businesses for surveillance video. Students who were on the bus were loaded onto a different bus and taken to school.
The driver was spotted at the scene in handcuffs. IMPD said she was transported for a blood draw, which is standard procedure in a serious crash, and later released pending further investigation.
The family of the 12-year-old girl provided the following statement on Wednesday evening:
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our daughter, Hope, who was hit by a car. She is in stable condition and has a long road to recovery ahead of her, but she is a fighter and we have no doubt she will be back on her feet soon. As an avid basketball player and Junior Chef, we know she is eager to get back to doing what she loves. We ask for privacy as we focus on Hope's recovery. Thank you for respecting our family's wishes during this difficult time.”