LEWISTON — Police said a 7-year-old boy was injured Monday evening when he ran into the side of a car while chasing a ball into Bartlett Street.

Samatar Jimale of 169 Bartlett St. suffered injuries to his mouth and was taken to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Lewiston police Lt. Kelly Hamel said.

The driver of the 2002 Chrysler he hit was identified as 30-year-old Jessica Carney of Lisbon.

“It appears the child ran into the side of the car as it was passing by,” the lieutenant said. The boy ran from the sidewalk behind parked vehicles to chase a ball, he said.

The accident was reported at 6:18 p.m. and police and fire personnel responded to find 15 children and their families surrounding the boy.

“I think he’ll be OK,” said Ashley Murchison, whose 10-year-old son, Akeem, was among the children playing in the parking lot behind the building when the accident happened.

Akeem said he kicked the ball over a gate, and he and another boy ran after Jimale, who was chasing the ball, but could not stop him before he got into the street.

Cpl. Matthew Vierling investigated, Hamel said.

dmcintire@sunjournal.com