A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly hitting an elderly man with an electric motorcycle and fleeing the scene in Lake Forest, authorities announced Friday.
On Thursday, April 16, shortly before 4 p.m., deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department were called to the area of Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive for a report of a pedestrian being struck by an e-moto, according to a sheriff’s department news release. The suspect reportedly fled the scene.
Upon arrival, deputies found an 81-year-old man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a hospital and remained in critical condition on Friday.
After witnesses provided a description of the suspect, who was suspected of driving recklessly at the time of the crash, he was quickly identified and a search warrant was served at a local residence in Lake Forest, the release stated.
A 14-year-old boy was subsequently arrested and accused of fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in injury and reckless driving resulting in injury, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla. It remains to be seen how the Orange County District Attorney decides to proceed with the case.
“This could go so many different ways, especially because he’s a minor,” Gwisdalla said.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips can be sent to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.