12-year-old killed, caregiver injured after running into Clayton road

A 12-year-old boy was killed and his caregiver was seriously injured Friday morning after they were struck by a car when the child ran into a busy Clayton County road, police said.

The boy, who lived in a group home for children with autism located at the corner of Noahs Ark and Floyd roads, ran into the street around 9:30 a.m. A man taking care of the child ran after him in an attempt to stop him, but both were struck by a white SUV, police said.

“The juvenile’s male caretaker attempted to save the juvenile, but he was unsuccessful,” Clayton police spokeswoman Officer Helekia Helm said Friday.

The boy died of his injuries at a hospital, according to police. His name was not released. The caregiver remained hospitalized Friday night in serious condition, Helm said.

“We don’t have a statement to make at this time. We just ask that you respect our privacy,” a woman who works at the group home told Channel 2 Action News.

Noahs Ark Road was shut down in both directions at Floyd Road for hours Friday as police investigated the deadly crash. Police are still working to determine why the boy ran into the road. No charges have been filed.