GRPD Chief Belk strikes two bicyclists | News

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -  Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk is on the other end of an accident investigation after colliding with two boys on a bicycle.  The accident happened just before 1pm on Leonard Street and Scribner Avenue Northwest.

A 13 year old boy was taken to the hospital with a bump on his head and a cut on his lip.  An 11 year old ran away from the scene. Investigators say the 11 year old was riding on the handlebars of the bicycle, while the 13 year old was controlling it.  The police department didn't have information on who was at fault or which way the bicycle or car was going. 

Its one of several pedestrian accidents in West Michigan in the past week or so.  A police spokesman says he doesn't believe the accident will hurt the departments credibility when it comes to safe driving.

"People have accidents, unfortunately this time it happened to be the chief.  It happens, and the more you drive the more your chances of having accidents," says Ralph Mason, spokesman for Grand Rapids Police Department.

The police department is handling the accident investigation internally but Mason says its not impossible that another department would be called in to help.

Mason says Chief Belk feels horrible and visited the injured boy in the hospital, who has since been released.  The 11 year old was found a short time later and not injured.