Police have taken a 21-year-old Santa Barbara man into custody, accusing him of fleeing after hitting two pedestrians during a street takeover in Northridge and leaving both victims critically hurt.
The July 26 hit-and-run crash occurred at the intersection of Plummer Street and Haskell Avenue in Northridge, according to investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department. Earlier reporting incorrectly stated that the incident occurred in North Hills.
Video of the crash shows a young man and woman walking across the street as the driver of a black 2014 Chevrolet Caprice performed dangerous circular burnouts before striking both pedestrians.
Footage shows the young man being thrown into the air, while the young woman’s lower right leg was crushed beneath the car’s rear passenger-side wheel.
Bystanders rushed to help the victims, attempting to move them out of the roadway as the street takeover continued.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victims to a hospital. Police said the man was treated for a head injury and the woman suffered a severe lower leg injury.
The driver of the Caprice, identified by police as Benjamin Witt, fled the scene without stopping to identify himself or render aid.
Investigators said an extensive follow-up investigation led to the identification of Witt and his vehicle.
Witt was arrested Aug. 6 and booked into the Van Nuys Jail on two felony counts of hit-and-run resulting in injury and reckless driving causing bodily injury. Bail was set at $80,000.
His vehicle was also seized and booked as evidence.
“Street takeovers are dangerous and illegal, and it may result in your vehicle being seized for 30 days,” police officials said in a news release. “Engaging in violent acts of reckless driving behavior while innocent bystanders are present can result in someone being seriously injured or killed, with serious criminal charges being filed.”
Police did not release the identities of the victims, and it was unclear whether either remained hospitalized as of Thursday.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact LAPD Valley Traffic Division Officer Takishita at 818-644-8116. Anonymous tips can be submitted at L.A. Crime Stoppers.