Smithfield -- A 3-year-old boy was hit by a car in downtown Smithfield Tuesday evening, Smithfield police reported.

Lt. Keith Powell said the boy broke loose from his mother while they were walking on Market Street. The boy ran into traffic and was struck by a car driven by Larry Best, 46, of Four Oaks, shortly before 7 p.m., Powell said.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to WakeMed. Powell said on Wednesday morning that the boy had been released from the hospital. He was kept overnight for observation, but received only minor injuries, Powell said.

Charges are not pending against the driver at this time, Powell said.