4-year-old Ohio boy critically injured in mower accident

PATASKALA, Ohio (AP) — Deputies say a 4-year-old central Ohio boy was critically injured when a neighbor accidentally backed a riding lawnmower over him.

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office said it happened when 4-year-old Joseph Loughry wandered over to where neighbor Robin Coccia was mowing his lawn. Joseph stepped behind the mower, which backed over him.

Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said the child suffered “catastrophic injuries” to his legs in the Monday night accident in Pataskala, east of Columbus.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the child is in critical condition at a hospital. Coccia was treated for shock at another hospital.