The wrong-way SUV driver accused of purposely striking dozens of Los Angeles sheriff’s recruits on Wednesday, putting some of them in severe condition, was captured, authorities said.
Nicholas Gutierrez, 22, was allegedly at the wheel of the wrong-way vehicle that struck a group of 75 recruits out for a morning jog just before 6:30 a.m., according to authorities.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, he was charged with attempted murder of a peace officer following the terrible occurrence.
According to the sheriff’s office, at least 25 trainees were hurt, including five who lost limbs.
“There were so many victims strewn about in various levels of wounded that it was distressing for everyone concerned,” said LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Villanueva noted that several of the recruits stated that Gutierrez may have accelerated in the moments preceding the collision. They reported hearing the SUV accelerating.
Investigators believe he was traveling between 30 and 40 miles per hour when he struck the pedestrians and then collided with a light pole, which halted the SUV.
According to the recruits, there was no time to react or to jump out of the path.
Some suffered “life-altering injuries” like as amputations and head damage, according to Villanueva.
The department is currently examining the crash’s cause.
The recruits were accompanied by eight road guards wearing highly reflective jackets, two safety cars, and drill instructors.
A sobriety test revealed that Gutierrez had no alcohol in his system. He was arrested at the scene of the crime.