DELHI TOWNSHIP, Ohio — As Officer Michael Patrustie talked with management inside the Delshire Apartment complex during a routine call at around 5 p.m. Wednesday, a man began knocking on the door yelling that a young girl had just been hit by a car.
Patrustie said he immediately ran from the office, radioed for help while sprinting across the parking lot, and then recognized the 9-year-old lying in the street.
"I saw it was the child I was just talking to on the roadway," he said.
He had talked with the girl alongside several other kids on his way into the office.
"I told them to be safe — have a nice day," Patrustie said.
Delhi police said the girl was talking with two other children while crossing Glenhaven Drive and, when the two other kids stopped, the 9-year-old didn't.
She was hit and suffered "significant" injuries.
Patrustie rendered immediate aid until EMS and fire crews could get on scene and transport the girl to the hospital.
"I just talked to her, provided aid to her, just by her side until fire and EMS came," the officer said.
Patrustie said training can only prepare one for so much when it comes to responding to a critical incident where a child is involved.
"As a father myself, it was heartbreaking even more so because I was just talking to her,"
At Delhi PD, Lt. Joe Macaluso said Patrustie would fit right in as an upstanding officer as this response was one of his first solo with the department after years working for Hamilton County.
"It's fantastic," Macaluso said. "We're always looking for great people to come work for our community. Michael is a great example of that."
Police said the driver was not speeding at the time of the incident and remained on the scene.
The driver has not been charged, police said.
Still, Patrustie said this should serve as a lesson for people to remind their kids to look both ways before crossing the street, and for drivers to remain vigilant during the summer months.
"These busy streets, kids are out of school, so just be cautious when you're driving," said Patrustie.
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