Photo Of Skateboard Helps OKC Police Identify Critically Injured Teen

A photo of a broken skateboard helps police identify a critically injured teen. Oklahoma City police posted the photo Monday afternoon on social media and a short time later, detectives were able to notify the teen's family.

The 14-year-old is in the hospital listed in critical condition. Police said it took them a while to identify him because he was reported as a runaway out of Norman.

It was dark Sunday evening when the 14-year-old on a skateboard was hit near the intersection of Southeast 59th and Sunnylane Ave.

The driver of a purple Dodge Charger likely did not see the teen, who was dressed in a dark sweatshirt and dark shirt. Police said the driver was going about 40 miles per hour when he struck the boy.

“The driver remained at the scene,” said Officer Megan Morgan, Oklahoma City Police Department. “He was not arrested and the incident will be investigated.”

Austin Conrad, 24, was leaving work in the area when he saw the flashing lights.

“I was really concerned,” said Conrad. “Because when the road is blocked off you know that usually mean something fatal is happening.”

He is upset to hear the critically injured victim is only 14-year-old. Conrad walks in the area a lot and says it can be dangerous, especially at night.

“At nighttime you gotta watch out for people on their bikes or anything, you know?” said Conrad. “People really need to pay attention out here.”

The teen was not carrying identification and remained unidentified until police posted a photo of the teen’s broken skateboard on social media. Within about an hour, the public helped police ID the 14-year-old and officers were able to notify his family.

“I feel really bad for the kid,” said Conrad. “I pray for his family and hopefully everything goes good for him. For sure they are in my prayers.”

Police are not releasing the victim's name to the public because he is a juvenile.