Last Friday evening, a 13-year-old Oceanside girl was badly hurt when a driver hit her near Douglas Drive and Pala Road, then took off without stopping, according to police. Officers arrived at about 7:40 p.m., and the teen was airlifted to a trauma center with major injuries. She is now reported to be in stable condition.
In a post on Facebook, the Oceanside Police Department said officers responded to a report of a traffic collision and found the injured teen at the scene. Police said she is a 13-year-old Oceanside resident who was hit by a vehicle that fled. She was taken by air ambulance with major injuries and is currently being treated, with her condition listed as stable.
Investigators said they are looking for a gray Toyota Camry with front-end damage. Anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching that description in the area around the time of the crash is urged to contact Officer Serdah at (760) 435-4769.
Police Seek Witnesses And Any Useful Video
Detectives are casting a wide net and asking neighbors, nearby businesses, and drivers who were in the area to review doorbell cameras, security systems, and dash-cam footage. They are especially interested in any video that shows the collision itself or a damaged gray Camry driving away from Douglas Drive and Pala Road.
Investigators note that even small details can help move the case forward, such as a partial license plate, a time stamp showing when a car with fresh front-end damage passed by, or footage of a gray Camry turning onto or away from Pala Road. Tips can be shared with Officer Serdah at the number above or through the Oceanside Police Department's non-emergency lines.
Leaving The Scene Could Mean Felony Charges
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone can be prosecuted as a felony under Vehicle Code §20001, with potential penalties that include time in state prison or county jail and fines, according to FindLaw. The exact charges would depend on what investigators determine happened and on the severity of the teen's injuries, and prosecutors would decide on any filings after reviewing the full case.
The investigation is active, and Oceanside police are asking anyone with information to call Officer Serdah at (760) 435-4769. This story will be updated as officials release additional details.
