LA sheriff recruits - live: Suspect due in court as official calls crash that injured 25 ‘deliberate’

Authorities have identified a suspect arrested after an SUV crashed into a group of law enforcement recruits out on a training run on Wednesday morning in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier.

As many as 25 of the group of 75 were taken to local hospitals. Five were listed in critical condition with head trauma, a possible amputation, and lacerations, according to reports.

The suspect detained at the scene by authorities has now been named as Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22.

He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and may have been under the influence of a recreational drug when the crash occurred, Fox 11 reported. Gutierrez passed a field sobriety test and blew a 0.0 in his blood alcohol check. He is due in court on Friday.

The recruits attend the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services Center located roughly a mile and a half from the crash site. Recruits are often seen running in the vicinity in packs with outrunners wearing high-visibility gear.

Aerial footage showed debris strewn across the roadway as first responders tended to the wounded and a surveillance camera caught the shocking moment on video.

What we know so far

• Vehicle plows into police recruits on morning run injuring 25

• Suspect, 22, identified and arrested for attempted murder

• Five people are in critical condition

• Driver was on wrong side of road, unclear how he lost control

• Surveillance footage captures moment of crash

Sheriffs’ Relief Association fundraises for injured recruits

12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The Sheriffs’ Relief Association, based out of Whittier, California, says that they’re collecting funds for the injured police recruits.

The organisation, which was founded in 1924 by Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz as the benevolent arm of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was created to address the needs of Department members during individual times of family crisis.

Pasadena police force issues condolences for police recruits injured in crash

11:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Of the 25 recruits who were injured, two were from the Bell and Glendale police departments, one came from Pasadena forces and the remaining 20 were Los Angeles sheriff’s recruits, officials said.

In a statement on Twitter late Wednesday night, the Pasadena police force extended their “thoughts and prayers” to all of the recruits who were injured during the crash near Whittier.

“On behalf of the members of the Pasadena PD, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the recruits and agencies affected by the incident from earlier today. We wish all of the recruits a speedy recovery and we thank everyone who has expressed support and well wishes to our recruit.”

Incoming LA County sheriff offers support

10:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Robert Luna, the former Long Beach chief of police who is set to succeed Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva following the recent election, issued a statement: “I’m heartbroken and praying for the recruits who were injured this morning after being hit by a vehicle in Whittier. I want to offer my unconditional support to the Sheriff and Police Chiefs from LA County agencies, their departments and the families of those who are injured in this difficult time.”

LA County supervisor statement

08:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she was shocked to learn of the new this morning.

“I’m tracking this situation closely… it’s senseless and tragic. From the bottom of my heart, hoping these young and courageous trainees were not seriously hurt.”

Local firefighters amongst first on scene

06:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Firefighters at Station 96 near the scene of the incident heard a loud crash after seeing the recruits running past the fire station, fire officials reported.

“After they heard the accident, they immediately responded with 20 response vehicles,” said Captain Sheila Kelliher of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Governor Gavin Newsom statement

04:15 , Oliver O'Connell

California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement of support regarding the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recruits injured during training this morning when they were struck by a vehicle during their run.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom

‘Life-altering’ injuries reported

02:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Injuries involved in this collision include loss of limbs, head trauma, and broken bones, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said during a press conference.

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, said he told her the car just went straight into them.

“Several of his classmates were severely injured,” she told Good Day LA. “One basically severed foot, another with lacerations to the thigh.”

Mr Musick also reported that another classmate of her boyfriend has a severe head injury.

Victim’s girlfriend describes injuries to recruits

01:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, said he told her the car just went straight into them.

“Several of his classmates were severely injured,” she told Good Day LA. “One basically severed foot, another with lacerations to the thigh.”

She adds that the driver was still on the accelerator so her partner attempted to break the car window to make him stop because he was still pressing on the gas.

Ms Musicka adds that her boyfriend is OK, but needs to have his hand examined from trying to break open the car door.

Another classmate has a severe head injury, so they are praying everybody is OK.

“My heart dropped,” she said recalling the moment she heard the news.

Stunningly she says they believe the incident might have been intentional given that they had to get the driver to take his foot off the accelerator.

This has not been confirmed by authorities.

Light pole prevented more injuries

00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The SUV that hit the runners this morning crashed into a light pole on the sidewalk after knocking down and injuring two dozen people.

“They had zero warning,” said Captain Pat MacDonald, who oversees the training academy at which the recruits are based. “Thank God for that light pole because the vehicle ultimately hit it and stopped as opposed to possibly hitting more recruits.”

Yesterday’s press briefing: LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Thursday 17 November 2022 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

‘No one could ever imagine for this to happen’

Thursday 17 November 2022 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A witness, only identified as Joseph, told ABC7 that “the street is really dangerous and it’s a main street but there’s so much foot traffic and also just regular traffic and there’s always people speeding or driving drunk through here”.

He added that it’s not “uncommon to hear a crash outside of the house like that. But I’ve never seen something this bad”.

Joseph said that he and other residents rushed to help, bringing water and towels.

“The car was completely wrecked, like the whole front end was done,” he told ABC7. “The light pole was on the floor ... it was like three or four of us neighbours that came out because this has happened before. We’ve lived here for 10 years. It’s happened before like where a car crashes into a gate, but this was like ... no one could ever imagine for this to happen.”

“There were so many people. Everyone was kind of in various conditions, some were unconscious, some were still conscious, some with really bad injuries to their legs. There was people bleeding from their face,” he said.

“The sheriff’s academy ... like they run through here all the time so you feel kind of connected to them,” the witness told the local TV station. “So it was a really crazy thing to wake up to.”

What do we know about the injured recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The members of Academy Class 464 attend the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services Center located in the 11500 block of Colima Road, approximately a mile and a half from the crash site, Fox 11 reports.

Academy Class 464 consists of 75 recruits for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and police departments from Bell, Glendale, Pasadena, and the University of California Los Angeles.

LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, of the 25 injured:

• 1 injured is with Pasadena PD

• 2 injured are with Bell PD

• 2 injured are with Glendale PD

• 20 injured are with LASD

The names of the victims have not been released and Sheriff Villanueva said some of them face a long road to recovery.

In pictures: Aerial shots show aftermath of crash

Thursday 17 November 2022 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Everything we know about LA car crash that injured 25 police recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

At least 25 police recruits have been injured after a group of trainees was struck by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man while they were out for a morning run in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier.

Here is everything we know so far.

Everything we know about LA car crash that injured 25 police recruits

How the incident unfolded

Thursday 17 November 2022 19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the driver — now named as Nicholas Joseph Guttierez, 22 — veered from the southbound lane and plowed into recruits who were running in formation on the edge of the northbound lane adjacent to the curb at approximately 6.30am.

The recruits were running in four columns with eight road guards who wear reflective high-visibility vests demarking them to traffic. In addition to that, drill instructors and safety vehicles accompanied recruits on the run.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva spoke with the recruits who were running at the front of the formation.

“It happened so quickly,” Mr Villanueva told a press conference. “They jumped out of the way, but the people behind had no chance. They never saw it.”

It is estimated that the SUV was traveling at between 30 to 40mph, and there were no signs of skid marks on the roadway. The vehicle then hit a light pole bringing it to a stop and destroying the front end.

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, told Good Day LA that her boyfriend said the driver still had his foot on the accelerator and he had attempted to break the car’s window to make him stop.

The investigation continues.

Suspect, 22, arrested for attempted murder

Thursday 17 November 2022 19:23 , Oliver O'Connell

A suspect has been arrested after allegedly plowing into 25 law enforcement recruits in California.

Los Angeles County authorities have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, of Diamond Bar.

He is accused of crashing into the group of recruits with his Honda CR-V in Whittier on Wednesday.

Andrea Blanco has the full story.

Suspect arrested for attempted murder after ploughing car into 25 police recruits

BREAKING - Authorities identify suspect

Thursday 17 November 2022 18:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Authorities in Los Angeles have formally arrested a 22-year-old man after a vehicle plowed into a large group of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department cadets on a training run in the suburb of Whittier on Wednesday morning. More than two dozen were injured — five critically.

Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the crash.

His bail was set at $2m, according to the sheriff’s department.

Surveillance footage captures moment of crash

Thursday 17 November 2022 18:15 , Oliver O'Connell

New surveillance video from a nearby home shows the moment a driver slammed an SUV into a group of law-enforcement recruits out for a morning run in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier at 630am on Wednesday. A motive is still unknown.

The video has been edited to remove graphic content (via ABC7).

Here’s Maroosha Muzaffar’s report.

Moment car crashed into group of police recruits leaving five critically injured

California governor sends a message to injured recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 17:30 , Johanna Chisholm

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s crash and the 25 recruits were injured during the incident.

“Our hearts are with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s recruits injured this morning while training to serve their communities,” the Democratic governor said. “Jennifer and I send our best wishes for their recovery and stand with their loved ones and colleagues at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”

In pictures: Scenes from the site where a driver crashed into dozens of police recruits, injuring more than two dozen

Thursday 17 November 2022 17:00 , Johanna Chisholm

Sheriffs’ Relief Association fundraises for injured recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 16:30 , Johanna Chisholm

The Sheriffs’ Relief Association, based out of Whittier, California, says that they’re collecting funds for the injured police recruits.

The organisation, which was founded in 1924 by Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz as the benevolent arm of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was created to address the needs of Department members during individual times of family crisis.

Recruits estimate car was travelling at 30mph before crash

Thursday 17 November 2022 16:00 , Johanna Chisholm

Recruits at the scene of the crash on Wednesday afternoon told officials that they estimated the driver was going about 30mph.

The accident, which took place just outside of a nearby fire station, was immediately tended to by the firefighters who were inside, officials said.

“It is hard to see, because these young people are getting ready to go put themselves in the line of danger in their career. And who knows that while you’re training to do that you are actually in harm’s way,” Los Angeles County Fire Capt Sheila Kelliher said at a news conference. “So my heart goes out to all of them as they pursue this career. I hope that they all have speedy recoveries.”

‘It looked like an airplane wreck’: Sheriff describes scene of crash where at least 25 were injured

Thursday 17 November 2022 15:30 , Johanna Chisholm

Speaking during a news conference on Wednesday about the 25 police recruits were injured after a car driving the wrong way barrelled into the group of runners, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva compared the aftermath to a plane crash.

“It looked like an airplane wreck, there were so many bodies scattered everywhere,” Sheriff Villanueva said at a news conference.

Five of the recruits were critically hurt, four suffered moderate injuries and 16 have minor injuries, officials said at a news conference.

The list of injuries that the individuals have succumbed to include head trauma, loss of limb and broken bones, officials said. At least one of the victims, they added, was placed on a ventilator on Wednesday afternoon.

Pasadena police force issues condolences for police recruits injured in crash

Thursday 17 November 2022 15:00 , Johanna Chisholm

Of the 25 recruits who were injured, two were from the Bell and Glendale police departments, one came from Pasadena forces and the remaining 20 were Los Angeles sheriff’s recruits, officials said.

In a statement on Twitter late Wednesday night, the Pasadena police force extended their “thoughts and prayers” to all of the recruits who were injured during the crash near Whittier.

“On behalf of the members of the Pasadena PD, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the recruits and agencies affected by the incident from earlier today. We wish all of the recruits a speedy recovery and we thank everyone who has expressed support and well wishes to our recruit.”

Witness describes chaos on the scene: ‘No one could ever imagine for this to happen'

Thursday 17 November 2022 14:30 , Johanna Chisholm

A witness, only identified as Joseph, told ABC7 that “the street is really dangerous and it’s a main street but there’s so much foot traffic and also just regular traffic and there’s always people speeding or driving drunk through here”.

He added that it’s not “uncommon to hear a crash outside of the house like that. But I’ve never seen something this bad”.

Joseph said that he and other residents rushed to help, bringing water and towels.

“The car was completely wrecked, like the whole front end was done,” he told ABC7. “The light pole was on the floor ... it was like three or four of us neighbours that came out because this has happened before. We’ve lived here for 10 years. It’s happened before like where a car crashes into a gate, but this was like ... no one could ever imagine for this to happen.”

“There were so many people. Everyone was kind of in various conditions, some were unconscious, some were still conscious, some with really bad injuries to their legs. There was people bleeding from their face,” he said.

“The sheriff’s academy ... like they run through here all the time so you feel kind of connected to them,” the witness told the local TV station. “So it was a really crazy thing to wake up to.”

Everything we know about the driver that plowed into LA deputy recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 14:00 , Johanna Chisholm

Five of the recruits are in critical condition, which were described by officials as being “life altering”, while four suffered moderate injuries, and 14, including the driver, are being treated for minor injuries, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

There is little information currently available about the driver of the car.

What is known is that the driver is a 22-year-old Hispanic man, who was detained at the scene of the crash. He is being treated for minor injuries resulting from the incident and reportedly is cooperating with police.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the man told police he was “sleepy” at the time of the accident. Law enforcement officials said they did not detect the odour of alcohol on the man’s breath.

Later, LAPD Sheriff Alex Villanueva confirmed that the 22-year-old had passed a field sobriety test after the crash and blew 0.0 in a blood alcohol test.

Here, The Independent breaks down everything we know about the driver in the crash that injured at least 25 police recruits.

Everything we know about the driver that plowed into LA deputy recruits

Everything we know about LA car crash that injured 25 police recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 13:30 , Johanna Chisholm

At least 25 police recruits have been injured after a group of trainees was struck by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man while they were out for a morning run in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier.

Here, Gustaf Kilander provides an update on everything that we know about the suspect, when the crash happened, who the victims are and what condition they’re in.

Everything we know about LA car crash that injured 25 police recruits

How did the incident unfold?

Thursday 17 November 2022 13:00 , Oliver O'Connell

According to the local sheriff’s department, the driver veered from the southbound lane and plowed into recruits who were running in formation on the edge of the northbound lane adjacent to the curb.

The recruits were running in four columns with eight road guards who wear reflective high-visibility vests.

In addition to that, drill instructors and safety vehicles accompanied recruits on the run.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva spoke with the recruits who were running at the front of the formation.

“It happened so quickly,” Mr Villanueva told a press conference. “They jumped out of the way, but the people behind had no chance. They never saw it.”

It is estimated that the SUV was traveling at between 30 to 40mph, and there were no signs of skid marks on the roadway. The vehicle then hit a light pole bringing it to a stop and destroying the front end.

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, told Good Day LA that her boyfriend said the driver still had his foot on the accelerator and he had attempted to break the car’s window to make him stop.

The investigation continues.

Watch: LA County Sheriff gives press conference on Whittier incident

Thursday 17 November 2022 12:30 , Johanna Chisholm

Driver who plowed over at least 25 recruits was sober during field test, police say

Thursday 17 November 2022 11:24 , Johanna Chisholm

The 22-year-old driver, who was detained at the scene of the crash, is reportedly cooperating with authorities, police say.

The man, whose name has not been released, reportedly told police he was “sleepy” at the time of the accident, the Los Angeles Times reported.

At the time, officers said they didn’t detect an odour of alcohol on his breath and the 22-year-old later passed a field sobriety test after he blew 0.0, NBC News reported.

What we know about the crash so far

Thursday 17 November 2022 09:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The number of injured has since increased to 25.

Everything we know about California car crash that injured 22 sheriff’s police cadets

Watch: Girlfriend of injured recruit speaks out after crash

Thursday 17 November 2022 07:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Recap: Vehicle plows into LA law enforcement recruits

Thursday 17 November 2022 05:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Vehicle plows into police recruits on morning run injuring 22

What we know about the driver so far

Thursday 17 November 2022 04:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Nearly two dozen prospective Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies are recovering in the hospital after an alleged wrong-way driver struck the group of recruits during their morning jog.

Here’s what we know about the driver so far.

Everything we know about the driver that plowed into LA deputy recruits

Incoming LA County sheriff offers support

Thursday 17 November 2022 03:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Robert Luna, the former Long Beach chief of police who is set to succeed Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva following the recent election, issued a statement: “I’m heartbroken and praying for the recruits who were injured this morning after being hit by a vehicle in Whittier. I want to offer my unconditional support to the Sheriff and Police Chiefs from LA County agencies, their departments and the families of those who are injured in this difficult time.”

Sheriff says crash appears accidental

Thursday 17 November 2022 03:00 , Oliver O'Connell

While the crash is still being investigated, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that early indications appear to be that it was an accident.

At a press conference earlier today, he was asked if the crash appeared to be accidental or intentional, he responded to reporters: “It looks like it’s an accident, a horrific accident.”

Recruits from several different agencies

Thursday 17 November 2022 02:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that the recruits were from several different agencies across the region.

These include the Bell, Glendale, Pasadena, El Segundo, and UCLA police departments.

The remainder are with the sheriff's department.

LA County supervisor releases statement

Thursday 17 November 2022 01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she was shocked to learn of the new this morning.

“I’m tracking this situation closely… it’s senseless and tragic. From the bottom of my heart, hoping these young and courageous trainees were not seriously hurt.”

How did the incident unfold?

Thursday 17 November 2022 01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

According to the local sheriff’s department, the driver veered from the southbound lane and plowed into recruits who were running in formation on the edge of the northbound lane adjacent to the curb.

The recruits were running in four columns with eight road guards who wear reflective high-visibility vests.

In addition to that, drill instructors and safety vehicles accompanied recruits on the run.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva spoke with the recruits who were running at the front of the formation.

“It happened so quickly,” Mr Villanueva told a press conference. “They jumped out of the way, but the people behind had no chance. They never saw it.”

It is estimated that the SUV was traveling at between 30 to 40mph, and there were no signs of skid marks on the roadway. The vehicle then hit a light pole bringing it to a stop and destroying the front end.

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, told Good Day LA that her boyfriend said the driver still had his foot on the accelerator and he had attempted to break the car’s window to make him stop.

The investigation continues.

Local firefighters among first on scene

Thursday 17 November 2022 00:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Firefighters at Station 96 near the scene of the incident heard a loud crash after seeing the recruits running past the fire station, fire officials reported.

“After they heard the accident, they immediately responded with 20 response vehicles,” said Captain Sheila Kelliher of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Governor Newsom releases statement of support

Wednesday 16 November 2022 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement of support regarding the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recruits injured during training this morning when they were struck by a vehicle during their run.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Driver of vehicle cooperating with police

Wednesday 16 November 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The driver of the vehicle that struck the recruits, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, did not have alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.

He scored a 0.0 on a Breathalyzer test, according to LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and is cooperating with the investigation.

Breathalyzer tests do not cover the use of other substances, but authorities have note said whether other tests have been performed.

‘Life-altering’ injuries reported

Wednesday 16 November 2022 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Injuries involved in this collision include loss of limbs, head trauma, and broken bones, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said during a press conference.

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, said he told her the car just went straight into them.

“Several of his classmates were severely injured,” she told Good Day LA. “One basically severed foot, another with lacerations to the thigh.”

Mr Musick also reported that another classmate of her boyfriend has a severe head injury.

Light pole prevented more injuries

Wednesday 16 November 2022 22:05 , Oliver O'Connell

The SUV that hit the runners this morning crashed into a light pole on the sidewalk after knocking down and injuring two dozen people.

“They had zero warning,” said Captain Pat MacDonald, who oversees the training academy at which the recruits are based. “Thank God for that light pole because the vehicle ultimately hit it and stopped as opposed to possibly hitting more recruits.”

Number of injured grows to 25

Wednesday 16 November 2022 21:44 , Oliver O'Connell

The number of victims involved in this morning’s car crash involving recruits from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has climbed to 25 from an earlier report of 22.

16 suffered minor injuries, four moderate injuries, and five are in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle that plowed into the 75 runners at around 6.30am local time was also injured.

Full story: Vehicle plows into police recruits on morning run

Wednesday 16 November 2022 21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

At least 22 police recruits have been injured after the group was struck by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man while they were out for a morning run in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier.

Gustaf Kilander has been following the story.

Vehicle plows into police recruits on morning run injuring 22

Watch: Girlfriend of injured Los Angeles Sheriff Dept recruit speak out

Wednesday 16 November 2022 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Victim’s girlfriend describes injuries to recruits and efforts to get the driver’s foot off accelerator

Wednesday 16 November 2022 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Angelica Musick, the girlfriend of one of the victims, said he told her the car just went straight into them.

“Several of his classmates were severely injured,” she told Good Day LA. “One basically severed foot, another with lacerations to the thigh.”

She adds that the driver was still on the accelerator so her partner attempted to break the car window to make him stop because he was still pressing on the gas.

Ms Musicka adds that her boyfriend is OK, but needs to have his hand examined from trying to break open the car door.

Another classmate has a severe head injury, so they are praying everybody is OK.

“My heart dropped,” she said recalling the moment she heard the news.

Stunningly she says they believe the incident might have been intentional given that they had to get the driver to take his foot off the accelerator.

This has not been confirmed by authorities.

Press briefing: LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Wednesday 16 November 2022 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

What we know about the crash that injured 22 police cadets

Wednesday 16 November 2022 19:45 , Oliver O'Connell

At least 22 police recruits have been injured after a group of trainees was struck by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man while they were out for a morning run in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier.

Here is everything we know so far.

Everything we know about California car crash that injured 22 sheriff’s police cadets

Wednesday 16 November 2022 19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A witness, only identified as Joseph, told ABC7 that “the street is really dangerous and it’s a main street but there’s so much foot traffic and also just regular traffic and there’s always people speeding or driving drunk through here”.

He added that it’s not “uncommon to hear a crash outside of the house like that. But I’ve never seen something this bad”.

Joseph said that he and other residents rushed to help, bringing water and towels.

“The car was completely wrecked, like the whole front end was done,” he told ABC7. “The light pole was on the floor ... it was like three or four of us neighbours that came out because this has happened before. We’ve lived here for 10 years. It’s happened before like where a car crashes into a gate, but this was like ... no one could ever imagine for this to happen.”

“There were so many people. Everyone was kind of in various conditions, some were unconscious, some were still conscious, some with really bad injuries to their legs. There was people bleeding from their face,” he said.

“The sheriff’s academy ... like they run through here all the time so you feel kind of connected to them,” the witness told the local TV station. “So it was a really crazy thing to wake up to.”

Everything we know about the driver

Wednesday 16 November 2022 18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Nearly two dozen prospective Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies are recovering in the hospital after an alleged wrong-way driver struck the group of recruits during their morning jog.

Graig Graziosi reports.

Everything we know about the driver that plowed into LA deputy recruits

Wednesday 16 November 2022 18:34 , Oliver O'Connell

While the recruits wear white t-shirts and green shorts when out running, eight “road guards” wear orange reflective vests as well to alert traffic to their presence.

The light pole that the vehicle struck may have saved other recruits from injury.

Recruits were running in the street in four columns closest to the curb when they were hit. Those at the front who saw the vehicle veer toward them were able to get out of the way, but those behind were unable to react in time.

The serious injuries inflicted on the runners by the crash range from head trauma to loss of a limb, according to the press conference.

Two people may be discharged from the hospital soon. The families of the two most critically injured recruits were airlifted to hospitals to be with their loved ones.

Five recruits suffered ‘life-altering’ injuries

Wednesday 16 November 2022 18:24 , Oliver O'Connell

One patient is currently on a ventilator and in critical condition, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva just told a press conference.

Five recruits are said to have suffered “life-altering” injuries.

The 22-year-old Hispanic driver was not under the influence of alcohol according to a field sobriety test conducted at the scene.

In pictures: The crash site

Wednesday 16 November 2022 18:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Wednesday 16 November 2022 17:48 , Oliver O'Connell

During a press conference at the scene, Captain Charlie Samson of the California High Patrol confirmed the driver was a 22-year-old man from the city of Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County, but no name has been released.

The running group consisted of around 75 people. He described it as a mass casualty event in which the southbound vehicle veered across into the opposing lane before hitting the recruits who were running north on the sidewalk.

Recap: At least 22 police recruits struck by vehicle during morning run in Los Angeles suburb

Wednesday 16 November 2022 17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

At least 22 police recruits were struck by a vehicle as they were out for a morning run in Whittier, Los Angeles, on 16 November.

The cadets are trainees at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center on Colima Road, approximately a mile and a half from where the incident occurred.

According to a resident cited by Fox 11, the recruits are regularly seen running in packs wearing high-visibility vests.

The vehicle was being driven by a 22-year-old man who was taken to hospital for treatment.

It has not been confirmed how the incident occurred.

At least 22 police recruits struck by vehicle during morning run in LA suburb

Wednesday 16 November 2022 17:10 , Oliver O'Connell

A large group of cadets who were uninjured is still on site in a nearby parking lot, where first responders are distributing blankets.

Wednesday 16 November 2022 17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Capt Kelliher of the Los Angeles County Fire Department

Wednesday 16 November 2022 16:45 , Oliver O'Connell

CBSLA reports that the injured were taken to several hospitals, including St Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, approximately 5 miles from the scene, and LAC+USC Medical Center, close to Downtown Los Angeles.

Wednesday 16 November 2022 16:42 , Oliver O'Connell

Footage from CBSLA appears to show the vehicle may have hit a lamp post when it came to a stop. The post is down on the sidewalk and the light fitting is in the roadway.

Wednesday 16 November 2022 16:37 , Oliver O'Connell

Paramedics sent up a triage area at the scene and began transporting the injured to hospital for treatment, prioritising those in the most critical condition.

“The hardest part is finding each victim,” Retired Fire Captain Rick Godinez of the Los Angeles City Fire Department told CBSLA. “There are red, yellow, and green tarps used by first responders to categorise the victims.”

Mr Godinez explained red tarps are for those that need to get to the hospital first.

“First responders will start to reach out to hospitals to start diverting the victims to each victim to different hospitals,” said Mr Godinez.

Wednesday 16 November 2022 16:31 , Oliver O'Connell

Authorities report 22 runners were injured, as well as the driver.

Four received moderate injuries, 14 are being treated for minor injuries, and five are in critical condition.