Officials: No Charges Filed After 21-Year-Old Backs Car Into His 3-Year-Old Cousin

GASTONIA, NC — A toddler who was accidentally backed over by a car Tuesday afternoon has serious facial injuries, but officials say nothing life threatening.

The incident happened at a home on Caldwell Street around 5:15pm, according to officials. Police say a group of children were playing in the street when a family member, identified as 21-year-old Gene Kendrick, went to leave. Kendrick asked and believed that everyone was cleared, but struck his 3-year-old cousin while backing out.

Officials say the toddler has extensive facial injuries, but they are not life threatening. The boy was initially taken to Caromont, but has been flown to CMC for head injuries and specialty of care at Levine Children’s Hospital.

At this time officials say no charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing.