First responders help boy after bike crash

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A Wilmington boy is back on his feet and riding again after a frightening bicycle accident, thanks to a gesture from local first responders.

On March 23, 7-year-old Karter Johnson was riding his bike with a friend when he lost control and crashed.

“I was riding my bike with my friend, and then it started to wobble a lot, and my bike fell over on top of this (left) leg, and then it got skinned,” said Karter.

The crash left him with more than scrapes. A handlebar brake became lodged in his right thigh, alarming his mother, Kimberly Johnson.

“I have never seen that before, never heard of it, and now that’s a new fear unlocked,” said Johnson.

First responders left the handlebars in place and transported Karter to the hospital. Battalion Chief Benjamin Bobzien said the child remained calm throughout the ordeal.

“We talked about football, we talked about school, we talked about a lot of things other than what was going on at the present moment and, you know, he probably did better than most of us would,” said Bobzien.

Karter underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering. His mother said he was eager to return to normal activities soon after leaving the hospital.

“Once we came home from the hospital, he just wanted to run outside and play,” said Johnson.

That determination extended to getting back on his bike. New Hanover County Fire Rescue stepped in, surprising Karter with a new bike and helmet.

Bobzien said the moment was a reminder of how resilient children can be.

“I think doing something like this really shows, you know, shows that injuries don’t necessarily have to mean limitations, and so it’s great to see him back walking around, and running around, and ready to get rolling on his bike,” said Bobzien.

Karter quickly put his new bike to use, riding again with excitement. His mother said the gift meant a great deal to their family.

“He’s very excited to be on a bike again. That’s all we’ve heard. He wanted a new bike, and we’re very happy that they were able to help us,” said Johnson.

New Hanover County Fire Rescue said Jimmy’s at Wrightsville Beach donated the bike and helmet that were given to Karter.