7 Injured In Downtown LA Hit-And-Run, Suspect In Custody
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Seven people were injured Saturday morning in two hit-and-run incidents one block apart involving the same driver, officials said.
The driver, a 35-year-old man, was taken into custody for questioning and the police are investigating whether he was intoxicated.
Around 10:45 a.m., an LAPD motorcycle officer attempted to pull over a suspect at 4th and Wall Street for a red light violation, police said. The suspect then took off in his Honda, ran another red light and struck two female pedestrians, a 13-year-old girl and her mother, at 8th Street and Main Street. Those victims were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
The suspect continued to 9th Street and Main Street, where he struck a vehicle with four occupants. Those patients -- members of one family -- were transported to a local hospital. A mom, dad and their two teenage daughters have non-life threatening injuries.
CBS2's Greg Mills spoken to witnesses who were shaken by the accidents.
"My mom's Christian and she was like praying cause she got scared. Everyone was in shock, of course," said Millie Ruiz, a witness.
Shaina Smith works at a coffee shop at 9th and Main. She said she saw the Honda driver slam into a pole and come to a stop.
"As soon as he plowed into the pole he got out of the car and looked a little disoriented," Smith said, "A cop had him pinned down and arrested him right away."
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