DETROIT — A tragic accident in Detroit’s Warrendale neighborhood has left the Arab American community in mourning after Mubarak Walid, a 6-year-old boy, was fatally struck by an ice cream truck Monday evening.

According to Detroit Police Department Capt. Shannon Hampton, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the intersection of Rutland and Diversey Streets, near the Southfield Freeway. The boy was hit by the ice cream truck while riding his bicycle.

Hampton said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He was detained temporarily and later released pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This is the time of year when drivers need to be extra alert,” Hampton said. “With improved weather, it’s critical that everyone slows down and pays attention, especially around school buses or ice cream trucks.”

She described Walid’s death as a “deeply tragic scene.”

A neighbor told news reporters that the child was crossing the street on his bike when the speeding truck struck him. Several residents, including the child’s family, had reportedly complained to the city in the past about the same truck due to its frequent speeding in the neighborhood — an area known for its high population of children.

In an interview with WXYZ Channel 7, Yeser Elnahari, a friend and neighbor of the family, recounted the horrifying moment.

“There were many people crying,” he said. “The police had to cover the child’s body on the ground, and even the ice cream truck driver was in tears.”

Elnahari described Walid as “a happy, kind, quick-witted boy. Everyone truly loved him.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Detroit Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

Warrendale, located in west Detroit, is home to a growing number of newly arrived immigrant Arab families. Community leaders note that many may be unfamiliar with the local risks children face when left unsupervised outdoors.