A child from Ames was transported by helicopter to a Des Moines hospital last night after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Ames Police Commander Jim Robinson says it happened shortly before 7:30 p.m. in a neighborhood on the city’s northwest side.

“Our officers arrived on the scene and identified a five-year-old who’d been struck,” Robinson said. The boy’s name has not been released. Robinson said, at this point, it does not appear the motorist was at fault.

“According to witnesses, the child rode his bike out into the street when he was struck,” Robinson said. The child’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“They transported the child to Des Moines by life-flight helicopter. My understanding is the purpose was to be on the safe side in case there were more serious injuries, but it appears the child will survive,” Robinson said.

The Mercy One Air Ambulance landed at Sawyer Elementary School in Ames. The boy was taken to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines.