Paso Robles 15-year-old arrested after 90 mph hit-and-run crash sends man to hospital
A 15-year-old driver was arrested early Sunday morning near Paso Robles after he allegedly fled the scene of a hit-and-run crash that sent a passenger to the hospital with serious injuries, the California Highway Patrol’s Templeton Office said.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, the juvenile, a resident of Paso Robles, was speeding in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro northbound on North River Road near the intersection with Wellsona Road, according to a CHP news release.
Two others were in the car with him, another male teenage resident of Paso Robles, 17, and Raul Santiago Cortez, 22, also of Paso Robles.
The driver was speeding around 80 to 90 mph when he approached a turn, the CHP said. Unable to slow to a safe speed, he lost control of the car and drove off the roadway onto the dirt shoulder. The vehicle then rolled multiple times across a grass field, sustaining major damage.
The juvenile driver and right front passenger sustained minor cuts and abrasions. Cortez, who sat in the back seat, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered major injuries as a result of the crash.
The two juveniles fled the scene without providing assistance to Cortez or calling for help, the CHP said.
Passersby called the police, who found Cortez injured at the scene, according CHP Officer Patrick Seebart. He was transported to Adventist Health Sierra Vista hospital in San Luis Obispo for treatment.
The CHP ran the car’s plates to locate the two juveniles, Seebart said. They were treated for their injuries at Adventist Health Twin Cities hospital in Templeton and gave their statements.
The driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall.
It is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol were a contributing factor, according to the release. The CHP is conducting an ongoing investigation.
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 10:20 AM.
