STATESVILLE, N.C. — A Statesville Police Department officer has been charged after striking a 4-year-old with her patrol car earlier this month, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol announced Thursday.
Officer A.E. Kestler has been charged with with Failing to Yield the Right of Way to a Pedestrian following the November 7 incident.
Kestler had began to turn onto Center Street from East Broad Street when she struck the young boy, who was in the crosswalk.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol conducted the investigation into the actions of the Statesville police officer.
Kestler was placed on administrative duty with pay pending the result of that investigation.
WCNC NBC Charlotte spoke to the boy's mother who declined to talk on camera. She said as the family was crossing, the officer did not look up at the crosswalk. The mom said her son slid several feet after the squad car hit him.
The boy went to the hospital, but doctors found no serious injuries. He was described as having scrapes and bruises.
The police chief previously declined to talk on camera because he said the officer is taking the situation hard.
It was not clear when the officer could potentially return to work.
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