Tonya McClenehan got a call she never wanted.
“I couldn't even concentrate, I’m still in disbelief,” said the mother of five.
A police officer on the other end of the line broke the news that her 16-year-old son was in the hospital.
Investigators believe a silver pickup truck hit Courtney Anderson at Southwest 1st Street and Southwest 1st Avenue Sunday at about 7 p.m.
“He has second-degree burns,” said McClenehan who started to list some of her son’s injuries. They include a fractured wrist, and puncture wounds stapled shut on his leg and ankle.
But he's alive and out of the hospital. Even though her son is in a lot of pain, McClelehan knows her prayers were answered.
“I just ask God to protect my kids, family, friends, even enemies sometimes,” she said.
Markings on the street where a pickup hit a 16yo bicyclist. @BBPD is asking for help finding car/driver involved pic.twitter.com/tWbX62W3SA
— Charlie Keegan (@CKeeganWPTV) August 8, 2016
Darren Villanueva heard the crash.
“Courtney started coming toward the yard and the car just blew by and hit him,” he explained clapping his hands.
Next, Villanueva said he heard screams. So he called police.
Based on information from witnesses, detectives are looking for a silver Toyota Tacoma, or similar pickup truck. Investigators believe the truck should have damage to the front passenger side.
“It is a tough starting point, but it's also motivation,” explained Stephanie Slater from the Boynton Beach Police Department. “We have a teenager who was injured and we have a responsibility to him and his family to put everything we've got into this investigation.”
McClelehan has faith the driver will turn themselves in.
“I wanted my son to be alright, then anger took over. But I’m not even gonna' worry about it because I’m sure his conscience will bother him,” she said.
This driver could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted for leaving the scene.
McClelehan said her son told her he never wants to ride a motorized bike again.
If you have any information on this case, call Investigator Lawrence Rini at 561-732-8116 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.
