MIAMI GARDENS, FL, (April 27, 2026) – An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle while walking to school in Miami Gardens, according to police.
Authorities said Johnny Baptiste Jr. was walking to school when a Ford Fusion traveling south at a high rate of speed swerved off the roadway to avoid slowed traffic. The vehicle entered the swale, struck a tree, and then hit the child.
Johnny Baptiste suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Ryder Trauma Center. He was initially listed in serious but stable condition and has since been released from the hospital, where he is recovering at home.
Police identified the driver as 23-year-old Jalen Darius Forbes, who was arrested and charged with reckless driving. He has since been released on bond.
The Miami Gardens Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
