VISTA -- A 4-year-old boy was hit by a car and injured Tuesday afternoon in Vista, authorities said.

The accident was reported in the 1200 block of Anza Avenue at 5:35 p.m., after the child apparently ran into the street in front of the car, Vista fire Capt. Chris Bowden said. The boy was conscious at the scene and appeared to have suffered moderate injuries.

He was taken by helicopter to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.