Dad: Little Boy Hit By Pickup Was 'Very Scared'

Zelvhin Galdamez, 5, the child struck by a pickup truck in Riverhead Wednesday night, was "very scared," after the accident, his father said Friday morning.

His son, who was expected to be released from the hospital on Thursday, sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and lacerations, Galdamez said. It was unclear whether the child, who is still recuperating, will be released on Friday. 

Rogelio Galdamez, Zelvhin's father, reached by telephone at his son's bedside on Friday, said his son had been walking home with a friend from the park when he was struck by a truck driven by Cornelius M. Trent, 41.

Galdamez said cars often drive too quickly down Horton Avenue and drivers should not be talking or texting on their cell phones.

Trent, Galdamez said, came to his door immediately after the accident and assisted in calling for help.

Riverhead Town Police were called to the scene of the accident at Horton Avenue and the Middle Road traffic circle intersection at approximately 8 p.m., after receiving a call that a child had been struck by a vehicle.

According to police, Trent, of Flanders, was allegedly driving his 1997 Mazda B2300 pickup north on Horton Avenue, just north of the traffic circle, when the boy entered the travel portion of the roadway.

The child was allegedly hit by the pickup truck when Trent was unable to stop, police said, and sustained bruising and lacerations from the impact. 

No charges were filed against Trent.

Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance emergency responders on the scene directed the child be airlifted by Suffolk County helicopter to Stony Brook University Medical Center for treatment.