Police: Toddler's death in Maplewood a 'regrettable accident'

Police in Maplewood are calling a toddler's death after being hit by his father's SUV a "regrettable accident."

Deputy Police Chief David Kvam said Monday that 21-month-old Josiah Roeske-Carlson was hit while playing in the driveway with his 8-year-old brother on Sunday.

Josiah's father, David Roeske-Carlson, thought the toddler was in the house, Kvam said. The father didn't see the boy when he was moving a trailer attached to the vehicle from one area of the driveway to another, Kvam said.

"Then he saw the boy on the ground in his side mirrors," Kvam said. "At this point it just seems to be a very regrettable accident."

Resue workers performed CPR on the boy. He was taken to Regions Hospital but died either en route or upon arrival, Kvam said.

Alcohol or drugs were not suspected, though Kvam said the investigation continues and that samples have been submitted for testing.

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