2 People Struck By Driver, Including 9-Year-Old Boy: Cops

BRADENTON, FL — A 22-year-old man was taken into custody Saturday after he allegedly drove a car into multiple victims, including a 9-year-old boy who suffered serious injuries, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's office.

The incident occurred outside a home in the 5000 block of 17th Street E in Bradenton around 12:39 p.m. Rafael Gutierrez was charged with aggravated battery and other offenses. The child was taken to a local hospital where his injuries were listed as serious, but not life-threatening.

The sheriff's office said Gutierrez got into the argument with his girlfriend as the two sat in a car outside the home.

Another 22-year-old man who had been inside the residence heard the noise and then also got into an argument with Gutierrez.

Gutierrez pulled the 23-year-old woman from the driver's seat of the car and then "intentionally" drove into the man with whom he had been arguing as that man attempted to keep the car from leaving the driveway, the sheriff's office said.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old man and the six-year-old boy were walking from Burger King and noticed the disturbance, according to the sheriff's office.

"Rafael continued driving," after striking the 22-year-old back at the driveway and then "intentionally aimed" the vehicle toward the 19-year-old.

In the process, he allegedly struck the six-year-old, the sheriff's office said.

"Rafael then drove off, fleeing ... the area," the sheriff's office explained.

Deputies stopped Gutierrez a few blocks away.

The sheriff's office said Gutierrez claimed he never intended to strike the child.

Photo of Rafael Gutierrez courtesy Manatee County Sheriff's Office