Byron, MN (KROC AM News) - A young Byron boy who was hit by a car Tuesday afternoon was critically injured.

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s office says 5 year old Lucas Wharton was riding in a wagon in front of his family’s home in the 1700 block of 19th Avenue NW near Byron around 5:45 p.m. when he was hit.

Captain Scott Behrns says the wagon went down an embankment and then a few feet onto the road where it was struck by the car. The boy was dragged several yards before the driver realized what had happened. The driver - identified as 69 year old Myles Keller of rural Mantorville - called 911 and waited at the family’s home for first responders to arrive.

The boy’s parents and two brothers were home at the time. Lucas was airlifted to St. Mary’s. At last report, his medical condition was described as "very critical."

Keller was arrested and is expected to be charged with criminal vehicular operation. Behrns says it’s suspected he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

 

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