On Monday, July 22, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, Fullerton Police Dispatch received a call regarding a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision in the area of S. Harbor Blvd and W. Orangethorpe Ave.
When officers arrived, they discovered the victim — a 31-year-old man riding a bicycle — had been deliberately struck by a vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released.
The suspect vehicle, described as a red Dodge Challenger, fled the scene before officers arrived. A video of the incident has been widely shared on social media and news outlets.
Fullerton Police Detectives began investigating the incident, ultimately identifying the suspect and suspect vehicle.
On July 30, 2025, detectives arrested Christian Diaz, 22, of West Covina. He was booked at the Fullerton City Jail for Attempted Murder.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Detective N. Valdes at (714) 738-6754 or via email at nvaldes@fullertonpd.org.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or visit their website at occrimestoppers.org.
Christian Diaz, who was arrested for allegedly deliberately hitting a bicyclist with a vehicle, faces a charge of attempted murder under California Penal Code § 664/187(a). Here’s a plain-text summary of the penalties he could face:
Attempted Murder Penalties in California
First-Degree Attempted Murder
- Definition: The act was willful, deliberate, and premeditated.
- Penalty: Life in state prison with the possibility of parole.
- If the victim is a protected person (e.g., police officer, firefighter), the minimum sentence is 15 years to life.
Second-Degree Attempted Murder
- Definition: The act involved intent to kill but was not premeditated.
- Penalty: 5, 7, or 9 years in state prison.
Additional Enhancements
- Use of a firearm:
- 10 years for using a gun
- 20 years for firing it
- 25 years to life if it caused great bodily injury
- Gang involvement: Adds 15 years to life, served consecutively
- Three-strikes law: Attempted murder counts as a strike. A second strike doubles the sentence; a third strike can lead to 25 years to life
- Fines and restitution: Up to $10,000 in fines and mandatory victim restitution
- Loss of gun rights: Lifetime ban
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizens convicted of attempted murder face deportation