Boy on motorbike dies after being run over by ice-cream truck in South LA

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 7-year-old boy riding a motorbike was run over by an ice-cream truck in South Los Angeles Wednesday night. The boy later died at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

The truck struck the child near West 97th and Main streets at 7:12 p.m. The boy was riding his motorbike alongside the truck, and may even have been holding onto the truck, when he lost balance and fell under the rear wheels, police said.

The truck was going about 5 mph when the accident occurred, authorities said.

"I heard a big commotion, I came outside, I saw the little kid laying on the ground, and I saw the mother weeping over the child, saying, 'Oh my child, oh my God,'" said a neighbor, only identified as William.

The child was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. He was listed in critical condition at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He was undergoing surgery in the 8 p.m. hour but was pronounced dead at about 9:15 p.m.

The driver of the ice-cream truck was attacked by citizens in the area.

"Right now, it appears it was bricks and sticks, and somebody may have pulled a knife on him," said LAPD Sgt. Timothy Colson.

The truck driver was injured in the attack, but not by the knife. Authorities are looking for whoever may have been involved.

Police are calling the incident a tragic accident. The driver was not under arrest, and was expected to be released from the police station.

The truck is believed to be unlicensed.