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May 13, 2008 4:55 pm US/Eastern
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Boy Hit By Alleged Drunk Driver Undergoes Surgery
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
An 11-year-old boy who was run over by an alleged drunk driver in Manchester, N.H., last week has undergone spinal surgery after his back was broken in the crash.
Liam Quinn Burbank was hit by a car as he had gotten off a school bus.
The car was driven by 65-year-old Bruce Johnson, who was allegedly drunk at the time of the crash, police officials said.
Johnson was driving his Buick on Union Street around 2:30 p.m., on April 5 when police say he drifted off the road and hit Burbank as he walked on the grass next to the road.
Burbank told police that he had taken just five steps when he was hit from behind and thrown 15 feet. He said that he did not see the car coming, and he believed that Johnson was trying to swerve to avoid hitting the bus.
The boy suffered a broken back and under went spinal surgery last Friday. His parents said the surgery went well and his condition is improving. He was moved out of intensive care on Monday, and with help on Tuesday, he was able to take his first steps since the crash.
In a statement from Burbank's parents, David and Beth Burbank said, "While Quinn is improving, he faces a long recovery ahead. The thoughts, prayers and assistance from our friends, neighbors and the Manchester community have been extremely helpful, and we thank everyone who has expressed their support. They have meant the world to us and to Quinn."
Johnson, who has no criminal record, was arrested at the scene and charged with driving drunk. According to the police report, he allegedly told officers he had four beers and must have passed out at the wheel.
Johnson's family said they are sorry about what happened. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
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