“Yesterday afternoon, shortly after dismissal, Sophie was traveling down the accessibility ramp behind Willowcrest. Her wheelchair lost braking control near the bottom.”
My stomach turned.
“There’s a road there.”
“Yes.”
I knew the road.
Oakridge Avenue ran behind the school, and at dismissal it was crowded with buses, delivery vehicles, and parents trying to beat traffic.
Officer Mercer continued.
“A groundskeeper heard shouting. By the time he looked over, Sophie’s wheelchair was moving downhill toward the service exit.”
I stared at Ethan.
He still wouldn’t look at me.
“Ethan was behind her,” the officer said.
My voice disappeared.
“He ran after the chair.”
Rebecca began crying again.
“He caught it approximately twelve feet before the roadway.”
My knees weakened.
“Twelve feet?”
Officer Ortiz nodded.
“He grabbed the rear handle. The chair turned. Sophie fell sideways. Ethan went down with her.”
I grabbed Ethan’s shoulders.
“Were you hurt?”
