Rolling, Driverless Vehicle Pins Father, Son

A 7-year old boy and his father narrowly averted tragedy at a Huntington Beach parking lot Sunday when a parked truck rolled backward, pinning them both against their own vehicle, authorities said.

The Huntington Beach boy, whom authorities did not identify, his father, Kaio Ferreria, 42, and two other family members were preparing for a day of surfing when the accident happened about 10 a.m., according to Lt. Dan Johnson.

An unoccupied 1992 Ford Ranger that was parked in neutral and did not have its parking brake set began to roll, and hit Ferreria and his son as the two stood behind their 1987 Volvo, donning their wetsuits.

Onlookers quickly helped push the truck off the father and son, said Huntington Beach Fire Department spokesman Ed Hadfield.

The child was taken to UCI Medical Center by paramedics. He suffered minor injuries to his legs and torso and was later released. The father was not injured.

Hadfield said that it was unusual the victims did not suffer major injuries, considering the extensive damage done to the back of the Volvo.

The owner of the unoccupied truck was called to the scene by lifeguards using beach loudspeakers. The motorist was not cited at the scene but may ultimately face a ticket: Police said it is a violation to have a vehicle parked in neutral without the parking brake set.