Motorist strikes family in South Gate crosswalk; boy killed, 3 others injured [Updated]

A 10-year-old boy was killed and his mother and two sisters injured when a motorist in an SUV struck the family in a crosswalk in South Gate’s shopping district, police said today.

The family members were crossing Tweedy Boulevard at 11:24 a.m. Saturday near San Vincente Avenue when they were hit by a Volkswagen SUV attempting to turn from San Vincente onto Tweedy, said Sgt. Tim Williams of South Gate Police.

The busy shopping area where the accident occurred is known as “the Tweedy Mile,” he said.

“The driver apparently didn’t see them in the crosswalk,” Williams said.

Ricardo Mercado, 10, of South Gate, was killed. His mother, Ana Mercado, 35, and two sisters, ages 6 and 12, were taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Williams said. Mercado was treated for a fractured leg, the 6-year-old for fractures and the 12-year-old for abrasions, Williams said.

Williams said there was no sign the driver attempted to stop before striking he family. At least one witness said the driver was talking on a cellphone at the time of the crash, Williams said.

The driver of the SUV has not been charged in connection with the crash, but police are continuing their investigation. The driver’s name was not released.

[Updated at 6:37 p.m. Monday: The Police Officers’ Assn. of South Gate has created a trust fund to assist the Mercado family. Checks may be dropped off at the police department front desk or mailed to South Gate Police Officers’ Assn. Mercado Family Trust Fund, 8620 California Ave., South Gate, CA, 90280.]

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Photo: Ricardo Mercado, 10, pictured in a photo provided by his family

Comments

[Mirna Alvarado]

I just want to send my condolences to the family Mercado
I was in the area when this happened and it was very hard to see for my 14 yr old and myself. God Bless the family and my deapest sympathy.

[Mary Fikri]

My heart goes out to the Mercado family. I will never forget them and my prayers will always be with them. I tried to assist them during the accident but it was beyond my help and the help of others. I have lived in South Gate for 30 yrs. and I have witnessed over 15 accidents in Tweedy Mile. The city of South Gate needs to change the speed limit on Tweedy Blvd. back to 25 miles per hour like it used to be 30 years ago and put crossing lights. I hope the city decides to do something about this and make Tweedy Mile safe! May God bless the Mercado family always! !

[Minia Guerrero]

My condolences to the Mercado family. I've lived in South Gate for about 11 yrs. I actually lived on San Vincente 2 yrs ago. It's a very dangerous street to cross, especially when there is no crosswalk. We pay so much in taxes in South Gate more then any other cities, and we can't even get the city to put a crosswalk? Hopefully all these accidents mean something to the City of South Gate.

[Brenda]

City of South Gate, You should be ashamed. Tweedy Mile is an extremely busy street. It is the heart of South Gate where families are always walking through the shopping centers. Pay your respects to the Mercado Family by making this street safer!