7-year-old boy killed in ice cream truck accident identified

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The boy who was killed when he was run over by an ice cream truck in South Los Angeles has been identified by family members as 7-year-old Jamarion Thomas.

Jamarion died shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday following the incident, which happened outside his home on East 97th Street.

Thursday, a make-shift memorial was set up in his name with flowers, candles and stuffed animals. His mother, who was surrounded by family and friends, said her boy loved football, school, singing and dancing.

Danisha Mitchell said she doesn't understand why the driver didn't stop his truck earlier.

Police say Jamarion was riding his motorbike and was possibly holding onto the truck before he lost his balance and fell under the rear wheels. However, his mom said that's not what happened.

"He was walking it across the street, so I don't get the part where they say he was riding a bike. I don't understand that," she said. She said she ran to her boy's side, but it was too late.

"His lungs were crushed. My baby was already gone," she said.

Los Angeles police said the truck was traveling just 5 miles per hour. After the incident, the driver of the ice cream truck was attacked by residents. Police say the man was questioned and then released.

But Jamarion's mother still wants answers.

"I would love to speak with him, someone, the officer, anybody," she said.

The ice cream truck itself is believed to be an unlicensed operation, which is fairly common in the area, according to police.

Jamarion's mother says her son would have turned 8 years old come Christmas Eve.