Fresno Boy Dies after Hit by Suspected Drunk Driver

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By Theresa Freed

Story Published: Jul 2, 2008 at 8:31 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2008 at 12:38 AM EDT

Darryl Atkinson was rushed to the hospital early Wednesday morning with severe injuries. He and his friends were playing tag near their homes in the area of San Joaquin and B streets in Fresno. Atkinson ran out into the street just as an S.U.V. was rolling by. The vehicle struck Atkinson.

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Residents in the nearby apartment complex rushed outside to help. One woman told KSEE 24 the driver of the S.U.V, identified as 62-year-old Charles Henry King, got out to help as well.

Police arrested King. Late Wednesday afternoon, Fresno Police announced Atkinson died from his injuries. As a result, King was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. Police say he submitted to a blood-alcohol test, but results have not been released.

View Oldest Comments First

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:22 AM UNBELIEVABLE wrote ...

WHERE IN THE WORLD WAS THIS SO CALLED "MOTHER" IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL HER. HAS ANYONE NOT SEEN THE DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT 10PM AND 10 YEARS OLD SHOULD BE IN AT DUSK. THE PARENTS OR PARENT SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH THIS. THE MAN DRIVING DID NOT KNOW A 10 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS GOING TO RUN OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, THIS IS THE PARENTS FAULT FOR NOT WATCHING THEIR KIDS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE LITTLE BOY, HE IS IN HEAVEN NOW...

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:31 PM student wrote ...

Its a shame that this all happened...and I'm not pointing out a finger at anybody. But, it happened, and no matter how much some people complain about consequences from either side, there is no way to reverse time in itself. My respects go to the family of the child though, I am so sorry you are experiencing the grief of his loss...

Monday, Jul 7 at 4:56 PM C.Scott wrote ...

The OLDER boy that chased him with a bat should be charged. As for the mother lets hope she doesn't have other children.

Monday, Jul 7 at 4:29 PM relative wrote ...

His father doesn't live in Fresno. The mother and the stepfather were suppose to be watching the boy. Can,t you see by looking at the mother she is a special needs person. God bless Joshy , God wanted his angel for a reason we cannot understand. Please forgive and don't lay blame on them. God forgives us as we forgive others.

Monday, Jul 7 at 11:26 AM helen wrote ...

Blame the mother,blame the driver,blame the other kids, when your done pointing fingers and laying blame on everyone,has anyone stopped to remember josh? I cannot imagine him not being here with us any more,the void we all are giong to have in our lives, no longer seeing that bright smile on his face,or that little funny way he laughed when he was happy, or the comfort he gave to those around him when times were bad,he was wise beyond his years. JOSH IS REALLY GONE, I'LL MISS HIM HOW ABOUT YOU

Saturday, Jul 5 at 6:12 PM another relative wrote ...

the boy was chased by another older kid that was threatening him with a bat. there were witnesses that said he was hit with a bat either before or after the incident which was what lead to him getting hit.what i dont understand is why that wasnt reported in the story or the police report. and regardless of everything he definitely shouldnt have been out that late to begin with. r.i.p. joshy

Friday, Jul 4 at 4:05 AM relative wrote ...

the little boy was being chased by other children and come to find out by other kids was pushed into the side of the truck.he was not hit from the front of the truck.the mother was at hotel on parkway while her son was playing outside at 1 am.my heart goes out to that poor baby and the driver is terribly hurt and was not drunk.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 4:18 PM C. SCOTT wrote ...

WAS THE DRIVER INTOXICATED? OR OVER THE LIMIT. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. HE'S SURE TO GET THE ENTIRE BLAME FOR THIS ONE. WHY DID THE CHILD RUN INTO THE ST AT THAT HOUR IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:59 AM Fresno wrote ...

The parents should be charged with child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter at the very least. A 10 year old playing outside at 1am?

Thursday, Jul 3 at 2:17 AM concerned parent wrote ...

the police should be investigating why a 10 year old child was out on the streets at midnight. if he was home where he should have been at midnight, he would still be alive. maybe the mother should be investigated for negligence as well as the drunk driver who hit the boy.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:01 PM one nosy woman wrote ...

why, oh why were these kids out playing at such and ungodly hour to begin with? Where were the parents??

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