Vehicle going the wrong way hits 22 in LA

WHITTIER, California (AP) — A vehicle that struck 22 Los Angeles County sheriff's recruits on a training run around dawn Wednesday, critically injuring at least five of them, was travelling on the wrong side of the road just before the crash, authorities said.

A total of 23 people were injured, including the driver, said Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Captain Sheila Kelliher.

In addition to the five who were critically injured, there were four with moderate injuries and 14 with minor injuries. The driver was among those with minor injuries, she said.

“I am personally heart sick,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said, adding that she was focusing on the cadets who were injured to pull through this.

The crash occurred just before 6:30 a.m. in suburban Whittier, where a training academy is located.

California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Charlie Sampson said about 75 recruits were running in formation northbound in the street when the southbound vehicle veered into the opposing lane and struck the victims.

Sampson identified the driver a 22-year-old man from suburban Diamond Bar but withheld his name.

Sampson said the driver was cooperating with investigators. All possibilities, ranging from an intentional act to impaired driving, will be investigated, he said. Sampson said he did not have results of a field sobriety test.

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.