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Gerald Butler

Age : 8

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 10/28/2024

Location : 23rd Street near Maple Avenue

City : Sarasota

County : Sarasota

State : Florida

Agency : Sarasota Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Child dirt-bike rider killed by police vehicle collision

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 10/28/2024, Gerald Butler, 8, was critically injured when a Sarasota Police Department patrol vehicle struck him near 23rd Street and Maple Avenue in Sarasota. The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Butler was riding a dirt bike when the officer, who was leaving the scene of a separate police call, struck him.
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Butler suffered serious injuries and was transported to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remained under medical care following the crash. He later died from his injuries at age 10 in 2026.
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The Sarasota Police Department placed the officer on restricted administrative duty following the collision. The department's Traffic Unit investigated the crash in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol, collecting video evidence and interviewing witnesses. SPD later completed its investigation and submitted its findings to the State Attorney's Office. The State Attorney's Office reviewed the case and filed no criminal charges.
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Butler's mother later said she did not harbor anger toward the officer but raised concerns about police speeding in an area where children routinely play.
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OFFICER BACKGROUND:
The Sarasota Police Department officer who struck Gerald Butler has not been publicly identified in the sources located. The officer was placed on restricted administrative duty following the collision. No criminal charges were filed.
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SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.sarasotapd.org/Home/Components/News/News/3993/5080?arch=1
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/05/09/10-year-old-sarasota-boy-dies-nearly-two-years-after-crash-with-police-officer/
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/05/09/community-fundraiser-supports-family-boy-who-died-after-crash-with-sarasota-police-vehicle/