The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating a hit-and-run collision in the west end of St. John’s that left a 12-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter.
What happened
Police say the collision occurred at about 2 p.m. NT on Wednesday at the intersection of Barachois Street and Tomkins Street. According to an RNC statement, the child was struck by a white SUV. The driver did not remain at the scene.
The injured youth was treated for injuries described by police as not life-threatening. Beyond that description, authorities have not released further medical details.
Police appeal and evidence sought
The RNC is urging anyone who may have dash-cam, doorbell or other video showing the Barachois Street area immediately before or after the collision to contact investigators. Information from witnesses or those with footage could prove central to identifying the vehicle and driver.
- Location: Barachois Street at Tomkins Street, St. John’s
- Time: about 2 p.m. NT, Wednesday
- Vehicle described: white SUV
- Injured: 12-year-old on a scooter; non-life-threatening injuries
Context: a worrying pattern
Investigators noted this is the second hit-and-run involving a young person in St. John’s in recent weeks. On July 23, a six-year-old, Zafeer Munir, was struck at the intersection of Thorburn Road and Larkhall Street and died days later in hospital after being hit while walking with his mother to a neighbourhood festival. That case remains a painful memory in the community and has heightened attention to traffic safety and driver accountability across the city.
While the two incidents are separate, the proximity in time has added urgency to the RNC’s appeals for witnesses and footage. Police routinely rely on community assistance to locate vehicles involved in collisions, particularly when drivers leave the scene.
Why video matters
Video evidence can provide critical details that are difficult to obtain otherwise: vehicle make and model, licence-plate fragments, direction of travel and whether there were any passengers. In hit-and-run cases, even short clips from a neighbouring home or business can break the case open.
Residents with possible footage are being asked to contact the RNC. Police have not released a control number in the public statement, but typically such appeals are routed through local detachment non-emergency lines or online tip services.
Local reaction and safety reminders
The incident comes as summer activity in the city increases — more children on bikes and scooters, and more foot traffic near parks and events. Road safety advocates and neighbourhood groups regularly remind drivers to slow down in residential areas and watch for vulnerable road users, especially near intersections.
For parents and guardians, the collision is a fresh reminder about visibility and helmet use for children who ride scooters or bicycles. While police deal with the legal aftermath, community members often step up to support affected families and press for measures to prevent repeat tragedies.
How to help
Anyone who believes they have information or video related to the Barachois Street collision should contact the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary as soon as possible. Even small details — the time a particular vehicle passed an intersection or a fragment of a licence plate — can be valuable to investigators.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & time | About 2 p.m. NT, Wednesday |
| Location | Barachois St. at Tomkins St., west St. John’s |
| Victim | 12-year-old on a scooter; non-life-threatening injuries |
| Vehicle | White SUV; driver fled scene |
The RNC’s investigation is ongoing. As it proceeds, the community will be watching for any developments and hoping for a quick resolution that helps prevent further harm on city streets.
