Dubuque Man Who Hit a 6-Year-Old and Her Mother with Vehicle, Failed Sobriety Tests

New evidence contained in court records and from reports by the Dubuque Police suggests the driver involved in a Friday afternoon vehicular-striking incident, outside a Dubuque elementary school, may have also been under the influence.

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According to reports from KCRG-TV9, officers say the driver failed multiple field sobriety tests at the scene and also submitted to a blood test. While no charges have currently been filed, police confirm the case is being pursued as the criminal investigation continues, with additional citations or charges under review and highly probable.

The crash happened shortly after 3 PM, January 30th, outside Audubon Elementary School on Lincoln Avenue. The Dubuque Police Department says shortly after classes were dismissed 6-year-old, Mia Bryson and her mother, 33-year-old Samantha Gillum, were walking through a marked crosswalk when they were struck by a vehicle.

Police say the impact not only knocked the child to the ground, but also pushed her mother aside. The vehicle then continued to "run the child over." Emergency crews from Dubuque Police and Fire responded immediately to the scene. Both victims were taken to MercyOne Medical Center. Bryson suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while Gillum was treated for minor injuries.

Additionally, the driver has been identified as 83-year-old James Weitz of Dubuque. Authorities say he was detained at the scene while officers conducted their investigation.

While police continue to develop this case, they stress that all allegations remain unproven and open to interpretation until charges are formally filed and confirmed in a court of law. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information in regard to the incident is urged to contact the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415 or online here.