13-year-old Puyallup boy in critical condition after getting hit by vehicle in Tacoma on Halloween

TACOMA, Wash. — A 13-year-old Puyallup boy is currently fighting for his life after he had been hit by a vehicle while trick-or-treating.

C.J. was one of three children who were hit by vehicles in Tacoma on Halloween night.

C.J. is currently in critical condition after he had been struck by a vehicle at the intersection of S 96th Street and A Street, police said, and has been in the ICU since last Thursday.

“It’s terrifying. You never think it’s going to happen in your family,” said Marissa Fullerton, aunt. “It made me terrified thinking that people are just driving recklessly.”

Fullerton told KIRO 7 News that it was C.J.’s first time trick-or-treating with just his friends.

Surveillance video captured C.J.’s friends rushing to the crash scene immediately after the crash.

Fullerton said his friends told her that her nephew had been helping a man experiencing homelessness before he crossed the crosswalk.

“His group of friends crossed the crosswalk first and he was lagging behind a little bit because he was giving candy to a homeless man. He was that kind,” she shared.

C.J., who turns 14 in a few weeks, is currently at Harborview Medical Center after suffering a fractured skull, broken eye sockets, a broken leg and a fractured elbow, the aunt shared.

While Kandy Fullerton, the boy’s great aunt, is still devastated, she told KIRO 7 News that she forgives the driver.

“We even forgive her, and we want her to heal,” she shared.

The family, along with several other neighbors, is urging the City of Tacoma to add additional safety measures, such as stop lights, stop signs, roundabouts and additional streetlights, following the three crashes, involving children. The family is hoping to prevent another tragedy in the future, they said.

“To be out and trick-or-treating on Halloween when you know there’s all the little kids walking the street, I don’t know how a car could be speeding when there’s children around,” said Kandy Fullerton.

Marissa Fullerton, said, “Every responsible adult knows that kids are out trick-or-treating. Drive the speed limit, drive a little under, be cautious when you’re coming to a cross walk.”

“It’s imperative our kids are able to walk these streets safely on a holiday for kids,” she added. “I want justice. He’s laying in the hospital fighting for his life while the driver walks free.”

The Fullerton family created a GoFundMe to help with C.J.’s medical expenses. If you would like to help, please click here.

On Monday, KIRO 7 News reached out to the Tacoma Police Department for details on the investigation and the driver.

We’re still waiting for more information.

KIRO 7 News also contacted the City of Tacoma for a response after several neighbors had shared concerns about the lack of safety measures around certain roads following the crashes.

The City of Tacoma shared this response with KIRO 7 News on Tuesday:

Thank you for reaching out about concerns regarding speeding on Portland Avenue and 96th Street. The City of Tacoma takes traffic safety very seriously and we understand how important it is to address speeding in our neighborhoods.

We are actively working to make our streets safer for everyone, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Our commitment to Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035, guides our efforts.

Here’s what we’re doing to address speeding and improve safety on Portland Avenue:

Employing a Data-Driven Approach: Portland Avenue has been identified as a priority corridor in our Vision Zero Action Plan. We use data to analyze crash history, traffic volumes, and speed patterns to identify high-risk areas and implement targeted improvements.

Utilizing Grant Funding for Safety Improvements: In 2023, the City of Tacoma secured a $2.1 million grant to support engagement, planning, and design for safety enhancements along Portland Avenue. This funding will allow us to develop comprehensive solutions to reduce speeding and improve safety for all road users.

Making Targeted Improvements to Pedestrian Safety: To improve pedestrian safety, we’re installing a high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) beacon at South 60th Street and Portland Avenue. This type of crosswalk is highly visible and effective in helping pedestrians cross busy streets safely. Construction is expected to be completed in late summer 2025.

While stop signs, stop lights, and roundabouts can be effective traffic management tools, they are not always the most appropriate solution for every location. Our traffic engineers carefully evaluate each situation to determine the most effective and appropriate safety measures.

We value community input and encourage everyone to stay engaged in the planning process for Portland Avenue. We will continue to monitor traffic conditions and explore additional strategies to address speeding concerns and create safer streets for everyone in Tacoma.

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