A toddler was seriously injured after he was struck by a car Wednesday night when he ran into the road, the Turlock Police Department reported.

The child, who was reported to be 18-months-old, was taken by air ambulance to an out of the area hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the police department. He is in critical but stable condition.

The collision happened at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of Pioneer Avenue.

According to the police department, the child escaped adult control and ran into the roadway as the involved vehicle was travelling south on Pioneer Avenue.

"This occurred as friends of the child’s family were getting into their vehicle to leave," said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Parmley. "One of them observed the child enter the roadway but was not able to get to the child before he was struck."

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with this investigation.

The Turlock Police Department is still in the early stages of investigating this collision, however, officers can say alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision.

Officers remained on scene for over an hour as they investigated this incident and obtained statements from witnesses.

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information call Officer John-Paul Beech (209) 669-2108. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.