TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police say a woman and her two children were hit by a vehicle while trying to cross S. Dale Mabry Highway Wednesday evening.
While holding the hands of her 18-month-old and 5-year-old boys, Cassandra Marie Spicola, 29, attempted to cross S. Dale Mabry Hwy near Wyoming Ave on foot shortly before 6:00 p.m. Police say they were not in a crosswalk when Thang Phu, 35, struck them with his Toyota Camry as he traveled southbound.
Le'Area Wilkerson rushed to the scene to help, using Phu's cell phone to dial 9-1-1.
"But he was still in shock, so I just took the phone and talked to them and the lady step-by-step told me to go around and make sure everyone is still breathing," said Wilkerson.
All three were transported to an area hospital. As of Thursday morning, all three are in stable condition and receiving care after suffering serious injuries.
I'm told mother & 2 kids hit by car as they crossed Dale Mabry @ Wyoming. Mom, baby rushed to hospital. Tampa firefighter sits w/ other child, comforting boy in terrible situation. @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/O2tVIpIT6c
— Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) November 23, 2017
Tampa PD says the family is not originally fro the Tampa area.
"Just pray that they make it and everyone is ok, especially the baby," said Rachel Briscoe, a family friend.
Witnesses tell ABC Action News, it's a risky stretch to walk and more needs to be done to protect pedestrians who have to cross the highway to access a nearby school and apartments.
"There's kids after school without helmets riding their bikes and it's just a dangerous stretch of road, yet the crosswalks are only way down there and down there," said Corey Grundel. "They're really just falling prey to the cars that are here."
The nearest crosswalk is one block north at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway.
Phu cooperated with the investigation and has not been charged. Police say it does not appear that speed or impairment were factors.
