25 Sheriff's Academy Recruits Struck by SUV While on Run

UPDATE Nov 16, 2022 3:23 PM CST

More details are coming into focus about the car that hit 25 Los Angeles County Sheriff's academy recruits who were among 75 recruits on an early-morning run. The AP reports the runners were hit by an SUV that was being driven by a 22-year-old man. CHP Assistant Chief Charlie Sampson said the runners—arranged in four columns with two black-and-white radio cars and eight "road guards" wearing reflective vests—were traveling northbound in the street when the southbound vehicle veered into their lane. Five recruits were critically injured, with the most severe injuries including head trauma, broken bones, and "loss of limb," says Sheriff Alex Villanueva. A field sobriety test came back negative.

Nov 16, 2022 10:30 AM CST

A large group of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department recruits were struck by a car during an early-morning run in California. FOX 11 reports the crash occurred around 6:30am near an intersection in Whittier, which sits about 20 miles southeast of downtown LA. Details remain fuzzy, but ABC7 reports the number as high as 50 runners; a Los Angeles County Fire Department says 21 of them were hurt, with seven in critical condition and 10 with minor injuries. Eleven people were reportedly taken to trauma centers, per FOX 11.

A sobriety test was reportedly performed on the driver, but no results have been shared, nor have specifics of the crash been released. The recruits typically wear high-visibility vests on their runs, a local tells FOX 11. The AP describes the scene via TV news helicopter broadcasts: "a large response of firefighters and ambulances in Whittier, a vehicle on a sidewalk as well as numerous individuals nearby in uniform workout clothes." The recruits were affiliated with the Sheriff's Training Academy and Regional Services Center, which is located about 1.5 miles from the crash site, per the Independent.

(More car crash stories.)