The Anaheim Police are searching for several suspects who ran out of a car after they struck an e-bike that was being ridden by a 12-year-old boy, on Sunday night.
Police officers responded to East North Street and North Topeka Street about 8:45 p.m., according to the Anaheim Police.
The boy was hospitalized and treated for a broken leg and bruises.
Police investigators believe the driver ran a stop sign and then continued driving for about a block after the crash, when the suspects ditched the car.
Investigators are searching for the driver and an unknown number of passengers.
The crash happened in a residential area located just south of La Palma Avenue.
The suspects were in a red 2016 Honda Accord.
A Honda sedan with front-end damage and a smashed windshield ended up against a parked car. Witnesses described the individuals who fled as appearing to be young, possibly in their early 20s.
The vehicle was impounded, and Anaheim police found evidence inside suggesting that driving under the influence (DUI) may have been a factor in the crash.
Here are the likely penalties the suspects could face under California law:
- DUI Causing Injury (Vehicle Code §23153)
- Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines $390–$5,000, DUI program, license suspension.
- Felony: 16 months to 4 years in state prison, plus 1 extra year per additional injured victim (max 3 years). Great bodily injury enhancements can add 3 more years.
- Hit-and-Run Causing Injury (Vehicle Code §20001)
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, fines $1,000–$10,000.
- Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison, fines $1,000–$10,000.
- DUI Hit-and-Run Combination
- Prosecutors often file both charges, which can run consecutively.
- Leaving the scene after DUI can lead to enhanced penalties, including longer prison terms and mandatory license revocation.
- Child Victim Factor
- Injury to a minor (12-year-old) can trigger aggravating factors, increasing sentencing severity and restitution obligations