UPDATED: Boy, 7, ran in front of deputy’s Jeep in Carova, sheriff reports

Carova. [Google Maps]

Currituck County Sheriff Matthew Beickert said a 7-year-old boy struck by a marked patrol Jeep on the beach Saturday morning ran out in front of the vehicle.

The deputy driving the Jeep was traveling about 5 mph at the time, Beickert said.

The accident happened at 9:49 a.m. along the mile post 16 beach strand in Carova. The boy, from Virginia, ran into the path of Jeep and was struck, suffering a minor head injury.

The boy was flown to a trauma center in Norfolk and released from the hospital Sunday. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

State highway patrol says the incident has been ruled an accident.

.