GASTONIA, N.C. — A one-year-old boy is recovering from skull and face fractures after Gastonia Police said his father hit him while backing up his car.
The incident happened Monday afternoon off North Liberty Street.
Officers arrested Jimmy McGary for felony serious injury by motor vehicle, DWI and driving without a license.
His son, Andrew, remains at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, where he's expected to make a full recovery.
Feleisha Russell lives across the street from the McGary family, and she said her son is best friends with Andrew.
"Andrew, he is always happy," Russell said. "He's always smiling, waving at us."
Both Russell and Andrew's mother are insisting it was an accident.
They said McGary was backing up his car when Andrew ran from his mom's side towards the vehicle.
"I think that people really need to think about his well-being and how the family is hurting right now," Russell said. "Pray for the family. Pray for the boy. We all are praying."
According to court documents, McGary told officers he smoked marijuana an hour before getting behind the wheel of his car.
Officers claimed he had bloodshot eyes and appeared drowsy.
McGary remains in jail under a $100,000 secured bond, and he's expected back in court Wednesday afternoon.
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