Mom throws herself between car, child

A story out of Richmond today was more like a movie scene than anything: 23-year-old Monica Olvera jumped in front of her 7-year-old son to save him from being hit by a car as she walked him to summer school this morning. It happened in the 1000 block of Collins Road, in front of T.L. Pink Elementary School. Olvera and her son, Julian, were waiting to cross the street (or, according to the Chronicle, were in the parking lot) when David Cantu, who was bringing his daughter to school, lost control of his Jeep Cherokee. Olvera's decision to throw herself between the car and Julian saved Julian's life, police said.

"I think motherly instinct took over for the mother and she was (taken by LifeFlight) to Hermann Hospital," said Sgt. Lowell Neinast with the Richmond Police Department. "She took the brunt of the blow and I think when she got hit, she probably jumped in front of her son to protect him."

Olvera had surgery and is listed in fair condition at Memorial Hermann. Julian wasn't injured; nor were Cantu and his daughter. Police are still investigating the accident, but they said Cantu may have been speeding. Other parents said the area is dangerous: Cars seldom stop for parents and kids crossing the road, and there's no sidewalk on that stretch of street. No charges have been filed.