Dad May Face Charges After Air Bag Kills Tot

An air bag that deployed during a minor accident killed a 2-year-old boy who was riding in his mother’s lap in the front passenger seat, police said.

Investigators were deciding whether to charge the father, who was driving.

Tredarius Collins was riding in his mother’s lap when the car being driven by 22-year-old Cedrick Collins rear-ended another vehicle Wednesday night, investigators said. The air bag deployed and crushed the child, Detective Clint Ward said.

Neither the father, nor the child’s mother, Tenika Ewing, were seriously injured, Ward said.

Under Florida law, the driver is responsible for making sure every passenger is properly restrained. The law requires children younger than age 5 to be in safety seats.

Police were awaiting autopsy results before deciding whether to charge the father, Ward said.