CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are still investigating what led to a 15-year-old being hit by a car on his way home from school.
Brandon Petersen is in serious condition.
Police said Petersen and two other East Mecklenburg High School students were simply standing on the sidewalk, waiting for the bus.
At the same time, Richard Cromwell was driving down Monroe Road, and tried to merge into the right lane, police said. Instead, he clipped the front of another car, and drove up the curb, hitting Petersen.
Witnesses said Petersen flew through the air and landed on his head.
A friend tried to pull Petersen to safety, but he said it all happened too fast.
"Just to watch one of your best friends get hit by a car, nobody imagines that," said Petersen's friend, who asked not to be identified. "But when it happens, it's all a dream."
Police said Petersen had a major head injury and possible broken leg, but they believe his injuries are not life-threatening.
While police investigate, they do say neither speed nor alcohol were involved in the crash.