On January 1, 2026, at approximately 1:20 a.m., a suspect vehicle was traveling southbound on S. Flower Street at W. St. Gertrude Place when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and struck a pedestrian who was crossing within a crosswalk, according to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD).
The suspect vehicle fled the scene, and the pedestrian was located by officers with significant injuries.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white, early 2000s Lexus SUV.
If you recognize the vehicle or have anything information about the driver, please contact Police Investigative Specialist J. Soto at (714) 245-8214 or jsoto5@santa-ana.org.
Penalties faced by the hit and run driver
Based on the details of the incident on January 1, 2026, the driver faces several severe criminal and administrative penalties under the California Vehicle Code:
Criminal Charges & Penalties
- Felony Hit and Run (VC 20001): Leaving the scene of an accident where another person sustained “significant injuries” is a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Felony Conviction: Up to 4 years in state prison and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.
- Misdemeanor Conviction: Up to 1 year in county jail and the same fine of up to $10,000.
- Mandatory Minimum: If the injury is deemed serious or permanent, there is a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail.
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign (VC 22450): This is typically an infraction carrying a fine of approximately $238 (including fees).
- Restitution: The driver may be court-ordered to pay victim restitution to cover the pedestrian’s medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Administrative & Collateral Consequences
- DMV Points: A hit-and-run conviction adds 2 points to the driver’s record.
- License Suspension: The DMV will typically revoke or suspend the driving privilege of any person convicted of a hit-and-run involving injury.
- Insurance: Expect a significant increase in insurance premiums (often 10% or more for the stop sign violation alone) or potential policy cancellation.
- Criminal Record: A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record that can impact future employment and housing opportunities.
What a coward that driver was, then again.. of course it fled the scene since it ran the stop sign which faces both sides of the streets. This collision was avoidable had the driver made a complete stop, & looked around carefully before proceeding.