12-year-old driving ATV runs stop sign, killing 6-year-old passenger, police say
A 6-year-old died, and two other children were critically injured after the four-wheeler they were riding on collided with a car, Louisiana police said.
Officers responded to the crash just after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at an intersection in Alexandria, the city’s police department said in a news release.
A 12-year-old driving an ATV with three younger passengers — ages 10, 6 and 4 — ran a stop sign, and crashed, authorities said. None of them were wearing helmets at the time.
The 6-year-old was taken to a hospital but died from their injuries, police said. Authorities haven’t released his identity.
The 10- and 12-year-olds were critically injured, and the 4-year-old had minor injuries, officers said.
Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion thanked emergency responders for their quick action, saying “they gave everything they had.”
“The Alexandria Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of the child who lost their life and sends thoughts and prayers to the injured children and their loved ones during this difficult time,” he said in a statement.
Gremillion also reminded the public that operating ATVs on city roads “is illegal and a recipe for disaster.”
Police didn’t release additional details but said the investigation is ongoing.
Alexandria is about a 120-mile northwest from downtown Baton Rouge.
This story was originally published June 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM with the headline "12-year-old driving ATV runs stop sign, killing 6-year-old passenger, police say."