Alexander Li, 15 of Sleepy Hollow Lane, was struck by a police cruiser while crossing Old Georgetown Road on July 8.
At 5:26 p.m., Sgt. Michael Hartnett was responding to a auto accident in Bethesda, say police. Hartnett, a 20-year veteran was driving northbound on Old Georgetown Road near the Safeway, with his lights and siren on. "He was doing everything he was supposed to do," said Derek Baliles, spokesperson for Montgomery County Police.
Another car had stopped in the turn lane to allow the police cruiser to pass, said Baliles. "The pedestrian crossed in front of the vehicle." Li stepped out in front of the cruiser and was hit. Police do not know why Li was in Bethesda at the time.
Although police believe he was in the crosswalk, they think he was going against the signal. "Two vehicles tell us that he was crossing against the crosswalk," Baliles said.
Hartnett stopped his car, called for assistance and began to administer first aid, say police. "He was conscious and talking with Sgt. Hartnett at the scene," Baliles said.
Li was transported to Suburban hospital where he was treated for head and other injuries. He was later transferred to Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore where he was last reported to be in serious but stable condition, police say.