12-year-old boy hit by car, seriously injured

June 25--PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A 12-year-old boy who was sitting on the front step of his apartment at the Hartford Park public housing project Friday afternoon was struck and seriously injured by a car driven by a relative or a family friend, the police said.

Manase Niyonkuru, of 10 Bodell Ave., who was pinned beneath the car, suffered a broken pelvis, possible broken left arm, neck and back injuries, burns and road rash, according to the police. He was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital, where he was reported to be in "stable condition."

The operator "pulled into the driveway directly opposite the doorway and something happened inside the auto," said Fire Department Capt. Kevin Jutras, who was among the first responders to the incident, between 3 and 3:30 p.m. She "jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and drove the auto up over the threshold and into the doorway."

A witness told the police that she saw the car come in, apparently speed up and then strike Manase. The driver said she tried to shift the car into park but, instead, the vehicle lurched forward and pinned Manase underneath. One or more bystanders pulled him out.

The police identified the driver as Josephine Ndimugwanko, 55. Her exact relationship to the boy could not be confirmed, and her home address was not immediately available.

"The driver remained on scene and was cooperative," Lt. Henry Remolina said.

She was issued Traffic Court summonses for failure to exercise due care and for operating without insurance.

The eastern wall of Apartment 3 in the two-story woodframe house was badly damaged, the police reported.

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