Mercy Tenterria Martinez, the 11-year-old McKinley Elementary student hit by a van on Tuesday, is improving and is expected to have surgery on her arm and leg, say Petaluma police.
Martinez suffered critical injuries when she ran out in front of a Ford van Tuesday afternoon, just steps from the crosswalk. The driver swerved to avoid another girl, but hit Mercy. Police believe the impact caused the girl to get pulled under the van and run over by the moving vehicle.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
She also suffered head injuries.
The Petaluma police department is collecting Christmas gifts for the Martinez family, which includes two sons, ages 14 and 4, and another daughter, age 8.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Over the past several days, teachers and residents from the surrounding area have donated money to McKinley Elementary, to be sent to Mercy’s family. All proceeds from McKinley’s Winter bazaar, holiday craft market held Wednesday night, are also being donated to the family.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
