LORAIN — A 2-year-old boy was injured and was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center today after running into the side of a Lorain Utilities Department van on West Erie Avenue while chasing a dog.

The child, Mason Kuhns of Sheffield, was conscious and crying after the accident, which occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m., according to rescue personnel.

He was flown to the hospital in Cleveland by helicopter and was being transferred late today to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he was being evaluated, according to Lorain police Sgt. Larry Meek.

The youngster was visiting friends in Lorain when the dog ran out a door and three children gave chase, Meek said.

As the children ran into the street after the dog, a westbound driver in a Ford Ranger stopped in the curb lane, Meek said.

The utilities worker was westbound in the inner lane as the children dashed into the street, Meek said. He said two of the children made it across the street but Mason ran into the side of the van and was injured.

The utilities worker, Calvondo Smith, 50, of Lorain, was not at fault and will not be charged, Meek said.

“The children ran out of the house,” Meek said. “We haven’t found any liability or negligence on the parent’s fault.”

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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