Hit-and-Run Driver Sought After Crash Injures Five in Southern California

Police were searching Sunday for a hit-and-run driver who sprinted from the scene of a crash that injured five people at a Southern California intersection.

The two-vehicle collision occurred Saturday night when the driver of a Mercedes sped through a red light at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach, officials said. Five people in the car that was struck were taken to hospitals. Two were later released. Three victims, all 17-year-old girls, remained hospitalized Sunday in serious condition, the Orange County Register reported.

Search for Driver

Seal Beach Police Department spokesperson Lt. Julia Clasby said after the crash the Mercedes driver ran into a residential neighborhood. The suspect was not immediately identified. He’s described as a man around 20 years old, last seen wearing a maroon shirt.

Clasby said there were reports of a reckless driver in the area shortly before the crash.

Consequences of Hit-and-Run

Hit-and-run drivers are often charged with a felony, and the penalties can be severe. In California, the penalty for hit-and-run causing injury is up to four years in prison, and up to six years for a hit-and-run causing death.

The Seal Beach Police Department is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact them at (562) 799-4100.