Calgary boy recovering after hit‑and‑run; video shows bystanders failing to stop

A 12‑year‑old Calgary boy is recovering from a broken leg after a shocking hit‑and‑run in the city’s northeast, an incident made more disturbing by video showing multiple drivers passing by without stopping to help.

Bentley St. John was walking to his bus stop near Tarington Way and Taradale Drive NE on Tuesday morning when he was struck in a marked crosswalk.

The impact of the crash threw him to the ground, where he screamed in pain as several vehicles drove past without stopping.

Bentley was eventually helped by a good Samaritan and taken to hospital. Now home, he’s recovering in a full leg cast stretching from his toes to above his knee.

Despite the ordeal, the 12‑year‑old says he holds no anger toward the driver who hit him, but hopes they eventually come forward.

“I just hope that this doesn’t happen again,” Bentley said.

His sisters say they’re relieved to see glimpses of his usual personality returning.

“I’ve definitely missed the smile and the laughter, so it’s really nice to get that back,” said his sister Kenzie.

Video shows bystanders passing by injured child

The hit‑and‑run, captured on video, has sparked broader questions about public responsibility and the legal obligations of drivers who witness someone in distress. In the footage, six vehicles can be seen passing the injured boy without stopping.

Some residents tell CityNews the lack of action is troubling.

“First thing you need to do is make sure the child is okay and pull him to the side if you can,” said neighbour Mirwais Mansoor. “Otherwise, you have to call the police or do something.”

Another resident, Jennifer, said the incident violates a basic expectation of community care.

“If that’s your kid, wouldn’t you want someone else to help? It’s like a social contract,” she said.

WATCH: To assist or not to assist

Legally, Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act requires anyone involved in a collision, directly or indirectly, to remain at the scene, provide reasonable assistance, and exchange information. None of that happened in Bentley’s case.

Chad Newcombe, head of civil litigation at Kahane Law Office, says the law encourages people to intervene without fear of being punished for trying to help.

“We want people to intervene as a society… that’s why we’ve enacted legislation that says if you’re going to do it, you’re not going to be held liable,” says Newcombe.

Bentley’s family hopes the incident prompts change, not only in driver behaviour, but in the design of the intersection itself. Bentley says he wants to see a traffic light installed at the intersection, something he’s calling “Bentley Cares.”

“There have been a lot of accidents there,” he said. “So I’m deciding to put a light there for other kids.”

Calgary police are urging anyone with information about the hit‑and‑run to come forward or contact Crime Stoppers.