(The driver) didn't see the young man. The next thing he knew, he had hit this gentleman. That kind of stuff right there is what causes accidents. – Sandy Police Lt. Craig Watson
SANDY — A 17-year-old was hospitalized Tuesday after being hit by a car, police said.
Sandy Police Lt. Craig Watson said the boy exited the 7-Eleven on the northwest corner of 10600 South and 700 East about 6:45 a.m. He then ran across the road north of the crosswalk with the sandwiches he bought, Watson said.
"That turned out to be a bad decision," he said.
A motorist headed east on 10600 South and turning north onto 700 East struck the young man, who was wearing a dark coat, according to investigators.
"(The driver) didn't see the young man. The next thing he knew, he had hit this gentleman," Watson said. "That kind of stuff right there is what causes accidents."
The driver called for help immediately after the accident, police said. Some of the teen's teeth were knocked out, and he was complaining of chest pains. The teen was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
An investigation is ongoing, but Watson said it is unlikely the driver will be charged. The young man had crosswalks available but chose not to use them
"There's nothing safer than using the crosswalk," Watson said, "and there's no questions for us if you're in the crosswalk and you get hit."
Police were unaware of the condition of the driver.
"I would assume the biggest injury to the driver is seeing a young man on the hood of your car … and not knowing if you'd just killed somebody," Watson said.
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