Investigators believe a 62-year-old Pennsylvania man was intoxicated when he lost control of his car on a Philadelphia street and struck a 3-year-boy to death on early Monday morning.
Timothy Robinson was taken into custody and faced multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, DUI, reckless endangerment of another person, and reckless driving.
According to authorities, Robinson was driving a 2020 Nissan Rouge on Girard Avenue when he jumped the curb and bumped into the back of a Volkswagen which pulled to the side of the road.
Robinson’s car reportedly went airborne and landed on the 3-year-old victim who was walking with his 27-year-old mother on the sidewalk.
Nearby witnesses helped lift the car off 3-year-old John Johnson who was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital, police said. The mother did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Robinson was ejected from his wrecked car and was transported to Lankenau hospital in stable condition, according to Fox29.
“Intoxicated driving is never okay, and this tragedy is why,” said DA Larry Krasner in a statement. “My office will work to hold Mr. Robinson accountable, but I also want to re-commit to working with our public safety partners in the city to confront traffic violence for the public safety threat that it is.”
My heart is broken for this child, and for the family that now grieves such a terrible loss, Krasner added.
