Suspect Arrested After Hit-and-Run in Caldwell, Idaho Involving 4-Year-Old Boy on Bicycle
A Caldwell, Idaho man faces felony charges after allegedly striking a 4-year-old child riding a bicycle in a residential neighborhood and fleeing the scene Thursday afternoon. The Caldwell Police Department arrested Joshuah Martinez, 23, in connection with the hit-and-run, which occurred just before 4 p.m. in the 4800 block of Idaho Red Avenue. The child, a boy named Knoxtyn, sustained minor injuries and was later cleared by medical staff at a nearby hospital.
What Happened on Idaho Red Avenue
According to the Caldwell Police Department, young Knoxtyn was riding his bicycle in the street in front of his home when a truck traveling “at a high rate of speed” struck the bicycle’s front tire, causing the child to fall onto the pavement. Officers responded to the scene and evaluated the victim before family members transported him to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
After the crash, the driver did not stop. Caldwell officers located and identified the suspect as Joshuah Martinez. Authorities say he “was taken into custody without incident.” Martinez now faces charges of reckless driving, obstruction of an officer, and leaving the scene of an accident — the latter classified as a felony under Idaho law.
A Mother’s Terror — and a Community’s Response
For Knoxtyn’s mother, Savannah Wiley, the incident is one she says she will never forget. She was away from home when her husband called with the news.
“I screamed, ‘what?’ All he said was, ‘you need to get home — Knox just got hit by a car,'” Wiley recalled. “And instantly, I thought the worst. That’s my baby… my kids are my life.”
Wiley rushed her son to the hospital, where he was evaluated and cleared. Though relieved, she says the weight of what could have happened stays with her.
“That kid came so close to losing his life, and I came so close to living my biggest fear as a parent because of somebody else’s actions,” Wiley said.
What followed in the hours and days after the crash, however, offered a measure of comfort. Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips took to social media urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in neighborhood areas. The community responded with an outpouring of support for the family — including offers to replace Knoxtyn’s damaged bicycle.
The following morning, Mayor Phillips visited the family in person and brought a new bike for the boy.
“It kind of gives me a little more faith in humanity… for people to spend their own money and give him something back that was taken by somebody else,” Wiley said of the community response.
Impact on Canyon County Families and Neighborhood Safety
The incident has renewed concerns about vehicle speeds in residential neighborhoods throughout Canyon County. Caldwell, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Treasure Valley, has seen significant increases in traffic volume as new development continues to expand across the region. Events like this serve as a stark reminder that residential streets — where children play and ride bikes — demand driver attention and reduced speeds.
Savannah Wiley is now speaking out publicly, urging drivers across Caldwell and Canyon County to slow down, particularly in neighborhood streets and residential corridors. Her son, she says, is still working up the courage to ride his bike again.
For Canyon County residents following public safety news, a Nampa man was recently arrested on three counts of child exploitation material possession, underscoring the ongoing work of local law enforcement to protect the community’s youngest residents. For statewide news and coverage, visit Idaho News.
What Comes Next
Joshuah Martinez remains in the legal process following his arrest. The Caldwell Police Department has not released additional details about the ongoing investigation, and authorities have indicated the case is still developing. The felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident carries significant potential penalties under Idaho law.
Residents with information related to this incident or other traffic safety concerns in Caldwell are encouraged to contact the Caldwell Police Department directly. The investigation remains active.