Chaos struck Center Road in Novato when a driver hit two teenage boys on mountain bikes, leading to a series of collisions that ended with multiple injuries and an arrest on charges of felony hit-and-run and DUI on prescribed medication. According to the Novato Police Department, the incident occurred close to 6:25 p.m. on February 13, with the first crash occurring at Center Road and Holstrom Circle and the second, a head-on collision with a Ford F-150 pickup truck, mere yards further down at Laurie Drive.
After striking the two 15-year-olds and failing to stop, the driver, whose name has not been released due to an ongoing investigation, continued westbound until colliding with the pickup. Officers and the Novato Fire Protection District paramedics were treating the injured at both scenes, as reported by the Novato Police Department. One boy was released to his parent, and the other, suffering significant injuries, was rushed to the hospital. The truck's occupants sustained minor injuries but also required hospital care.
The aftermath of the crashes prompted an evaluation for impairment by a Drug Recognition Expert at the scene. Subsequently, the motorist faced charges for felony hit-and-run causing injury as well as driving under the influence of prescribed medication. Statements from those involved and witnesses at the scene helped piece together the events that led to the arrest.
Novato Police thanks the first responders for providing medical aid to the casualties. Calling on the public for additional information, authorities urge anyone with knowledge of the collisions to come forward, referencing case #NP24-0497 through their 24-hour call lines.
