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Springfield Teen Fatally Dragged By Car Was 'Horsing Around,' Police Say

SPRINGFIELD (CBS) – A 16-year-old boy killed by a car in Springfield over the weekend was fooling around with friends before the incident, police say.

Officers responded early Saturday morning to St. James Avenue, where the teenager was found in the middle of the street. The boy was later identified as Zamir Sanders, of Springfield.

"It was determined that just prior to the accident the 16 year old victim was "horsing around" with three friends at 2:30 A.M. near the side of the road," Springfield police said Monday.

Authorities say two cars first had to slam on their brakes to avoid Sanders, who was lying in the street. Then, a third car struck him and dragged him more than 300 feet.

Police say Sanders' friends banged on the woman's car to get her to stop because she did not realize she had hit him. The youths fled the scene but have since been identified by police and are cooperating in the investigation.

The 41-year-old driver tried to help Sanders and is working with officers. She has not been cited at this point in the investigation.

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