Unlicensed driver hits man sitting on bench

 Jason Paul Ronning was in serious condition today at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, a hospital spokesperson said.

 Ronning was sitting on a park bench in the area of 3499 Kelly Street about 8:30 p.m., when he was hit by the 1996 Chevrolet truck that had just jumped a curb, said Sgt. Matt Wildfong of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.

 Police said the girl was sitting in the driver’s seat of the truck and was being taught to drive by an 18-year-old male in the passenger seat. Their names were not being released pending the investigation.

 The girl was operating the gas and brake pedals while the man was operating the steering wheel, Wildfong said. They were attempting to pull into a parking space next to the road when the truck accelerated over the curb and hit Ronning. The truck continued over the bench and into a fountain, trapping the victim under the truck.

 The incident is still under investigation.