GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) — A suspected hit-and-run related to drunken driving left a 5-year-old boy clinging to life and other members of a Garden Grove family hospitalized in critical condition.
The collision happened while the parents were out on a bike ride, pulling their three children in bike trailers Sunday evening.
The driver fled the scene, but a witness followed the vehicle and helped police catch the suspect.
The incident happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday near Haster Street and Twintree Lane. Investigators say two adults were riding bicycles towing the children in bike trailers when they were all struck.
The five family members, including a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, were taken to hospital. Three of them – two children and their father – were in critical condition.
Angela Hernandez was hit by the vehicle, but because her injuries were less serious, she has since spent her time visiting her children and their father at various hospitals in Orange County.
“I lost consciousness,” she recalled. “I just remember a car hitting us. Like something hit me. I got up immediately. I felt like I was being rushed and I got up, I tried to get my kids up. I tried to see Angel, their father. I didn’t see my son move, he wasn’t responding.”
She is especially worried about her 5-year-old son, Jacob Ramirez.
“I just hope he survives. He’s had two surgeries already. They tried to stop the bleeding. His brain is really swollen. He’s not responding to anything. I just hope he pulls through.”
Her 8-month-old daughter, Lydia, is in stable condition, her 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, is in critical condition and their father, Angel Ramirez, is also in critical condition.
Police are searching for the driver responsible for a hit-and-run that injured a family of five – including three children – in Garden Grove.
Surveillance video obtained by Eyewitness News shows the moment before the collision. A black car can be seen driving down the street before the crash.
A man who lives across the street told ABC7 he immediately rushed to help the victims. Video taken after the crash shows the mangled bikes in the middle of the street.
Authorities say the driver, identified as Ceferino Ramos, 29, of Santa Ana, fled the scene but was followed by a witness who led officers to him a short distance away.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run.
Police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the injured members of the Ramirez family.
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