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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A skateboarder was taken to a hospital with serious injuries Wednesday morning after being struck by a car, according to Springfield police.
The crash was reported just before 6 a.m. at the intersection of Division Street and Robberson Avenue. Officers said the skateboarder was crossing Robberson Avenue when the vehicle hit them.
The driver involved stayed at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators, police said.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection in the early-morning hours. Witnesses and patrol officers found the skateboarder down in the roadway. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Police have not released the skateboarder’s name or their current condition. The department said the injuries are considered serious.
The driver of the car that struck the skateboarder remained on scene after the crash. Police said that person is cooperating and no immediate arrests have been made.
During the crash investigation, police set up a barricade around the area to protect the scene and reroute traffic. That is when another motorist drove through the barricade and left, according to investigators.
Authorities are now trying to identify that driver. Police described the vehicle only as another car and have not released a make, model, or license plate number.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Springfield Police Department. Investigators are also hoping that nearby security cameras or dash cameras might have captured the incident.
Division Street is a busy east-west route in Springfield, and Robberson Avenue runs near the northern edge of downtown. The crash happened before the morning commute, but the intersection was affected while officers documented the scene.
The barricade was put in place to keep traffic away from the investigation area. Police did not say how long the intersection was closed or partially blocked.
Officials have not said whether the skateboarder was using a crosswalk. That detail is expected to be part of the accident reconstruction.
The crash highlights the added risk faced by vulnerable road users in low-light conditions. Wednesday’s collision happened before sunrise, when visibility is still limited and drivers may not have enough time to react.
Missouri traffic laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users when they are lawfully crossing. In many cases, skateboarders are held to a similar standard as pedestrians, although the legal specifics can depend on local ordinances.
Springfield police have not said whether speeding or driver distraction played a role. That determination usually comes after a full review of witness statements, vehicle damage, and any available video.
No charges have been announced in connection with the original crash. The investigation remains open, and police are continuing to interview witnesses.
The separate incident involving the driver who drove through the barricade could lead to charges. Ignoring a police barricade is generally treated as a serious violation because it places officers and other road users at risk.
Police have not said whether the two vehicles are connected beyond the fact that both were near the same intersection during the investigation.
Springfield police are expected to release updated information as the investigation continues. Further updates may include the skateboarder’s condition, possible citations, or an arrest related to the barricade incident.
Hospital officials have not made any public statements about the victim’s treatment. Privacy rules often prevent medical facilities from sharing condition updates without permission from the patient or their family.
In the meantime, authorities are asking anyone who saw the crash or the barricade incident to come forward. Even small details, such as a description of the second car or the driver’s direction after leaving, could help officers identify them.
The case is a reminder for both drivers and people using skateboards to remain alert at intersections. Officers say early-morning crashes are especially dangerous because of reduced visibility and less reaction time.
Anyone with information can contact Springfield police through the department’s non-emergency line or submit an anonymous tip through the local Crime Stoppers program.
This is a developing story. KY3 will provide updates when more details are released.
