On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 10:23 p.m., Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to the area of South Gilbert Street and Carol Drive regarding a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male pedestrian lying in the roadway with traumatic head injuries.
The Fullerton Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the male to a local trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.
The vehicle involved in the collision had fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.
Preliminary investigation indicates that an adult male and an adult female pedestrian were crossing South Gilbert Street eastbound in a marked crosswalk when the male was struck by a white, four-door sedan traveling northbound on South Gilbert Street.
Press Release – Hit and Run Vehicle vs Pedestrian Collision – Assistance Needed pic.twitter.com/ljNiMec4F9
— Fullerton PD (@FPDPIO) December 23, 2025
The driver failed to stop, render aid, or remain at the scene and fled the area. The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage.
Any witnesses with information about this traffic collision are encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Traffic Accident Investigator Manes at (714) 738-6815 or via email at jmanes@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.
In California, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a serious offense under Vehicle Code 20001. Given that the pedestrian sustained traumatic head injuries and is in critical condition, the driver likely faces the following penalties:
Potential Legal Penalties
- Felony Charges: Because the accident resulted in “serious bodily injury,” the case is typically prosecuted as a felony.
- Imprisonment: Conviction of a felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death carries a sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years in California state prison.
- Fines: The driver may be ordered to pay fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Restitution: The court may order the driver to pay victim restitution to cover medical expenses and other losses.
- Driver’s License: A felony conviction usually results in the revocation of the driver’s license for at least one year.
- DMV Points: Two points will be added to the driver’s record.
If the driver is found to have been under the influence or acted with gross negligence at the time, additional charges such as Vehicular Manslaughter (if the victim passes) or DUI with Injury could significantly increase prison time.