Family says 9-year-old hit by car is likely not going to survive

ATLANTA — A 9-year-old boy has serious brain and spinal injuries after he and two other boys were hit by a vehicle being driven by a man police say was high and speeding.  %

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The boys were hit while riding their bicycles in their neighborhood.

Family members told Channel 2’s Matt Johnson that two of the boys are recovering but the youngest one, Isaiah Ward, is still critical.

The family told Channel 2 Action News Saturday, Isaiah's parent's are not deciding whether or not to take child off of a respirator after learning he is likely not going to survive.

Flowers are on display where police say Ryan Lisabeth, under the influence of drugs, hit the children on their bicycles Friday night.

Isaiah's uncle shared the picture with Channel 2 Action News and told Johnson that Isaiah 11-year-old brother, Roland, is recovering.

Their friend Timothy Hood, 12, was also injured but Hood’s father told Johnson that he opened his eyes Saturday. %

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Neighbors near the crash site at Joseph E. Boone Boulevard in northwest Atlanta are doing what they can to support the families.

“Just hoping that they be OK, that they make it through and we're praying for the family,” said neighbor Edward Thompson.

Channel 2’s cameras caught Lisabeth breaking down while in an ambulance shortly after the crash Friday night.

Police say they arrested him because he was on drugs when he first hit a car and then hit the three boys just before 7 p.m.

He then allegedly tried to speed away, but hit a second car and came to a stop.

Neighbors said something didn't seem right with him. %

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“He didn't know what was going on but he was impaired, on something,” neighbor Stephanie Nero said.

Johnson dug into Lisabeth’s past and found police have arrested him at least four times for heroin and other drug-related crimes since 2011.

Meanwhile, neighbors say they hope to see the kids back in the neighborhood again soon, especially little Isaiah.

“He's a very good boy. Isaiah puts a smile on your face, has never got into trouble,” Nero said.

Lisabeth faces a number of charges, including DUI and reckless driving. He is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail.

Cox Media Group