Parade float runs over 12-year-old

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Boy was attempting to climb onto moving trailer carrying float BY ALAN RIQUELMY Staff Writer A Valley, Ala., boy is out of the hospital after a Christmas float ran over him during his community's annual parade. The 12-year-old was walking with a group during the Thursday parade at 7:15 p.m. when the incident happened, Lanett Police Chief Ronald W. Docimo said. "He decided he didn't want to walk anymore," Docimo said. "He wanted to ride." Attempting to climb onto the moving trailer that carried a float his church had made, the boy fell underneath the tires. The float ran over the upper part of his legs, Docimo said. People nearby got him out of the street and called the paramedics as the line of floats continued on their way. He was taken to Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley, Docimo said. His legs were X-rayed and he was released. The incident happened on U.S. 29 in a retail area about halfway through the two-mile parade, Docimo said. Starting in West Point, Ga., the parade crossed into Alabama and Lanett before turning onto U.S. 29 and running into Valley. Several hundred people attended this year's parade. "I've been in this area for 25 years," Docimo said. "I don't remember anyone being struck by a float." The rest of the parade went out without a hitch, Docimo said. "Other than it being really cold."