Boy hit by car in Arlington Heights, taken to hospital

March 17--A young boy was being treated at a hospital Wednesday evening after he was struck by a car in Arlington Heights, officials said.

The boy had just left Our Lady of the Wayside Church and was crossing the street when he was struck at about 5:15 p.m. His injuries were classified as non-life-threatening but police said he suffered bleeding in his brain from his head striking the car.

Police did not name the child but said he is under the age of 10. He was being treated at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights after being transported by ambulance from the scene at Mitchell Avenue and Park Street. The female driver, who was also not identified, is not expected to be charged in the accident, said Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Alan Baumgartner.

The officer said the boy was conscious but that "his injuries are more serious than we originally thought at the scene."

Wayside was hosting Living Stations of the Cross Lenten services for children, and many parents were dropping off and picking up their children curbside. The driver had been traveling southbound on Mitchell Avenue, and the boy was struck near the curb in front of the church doors.

Baumgartner confirmed that after a preliminary investigation, there were no indications that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving too fast.

Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelance reporter.