Anaheim DUI Crash Injures High School Runners

Anaheim DUI Crash Injures Eight High School Runners: What Happened, What Comes Next, and How California Law Protects Victims

A group of Anaheim high school track athletes was injured on Wednesday afternoon, December 10, 2025, when a driver suspected of driving under the influence veered onto a sidewalk and struck them. The collision occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. on the southwest corner of North Harbor Boulevard and North Street, less than a mile from Anaheim High School. The students, ages 16 and 17, were waiting for the pedestrian signal during a training run when they were hit by a southbound Toyota Corolla that left the roadway and entered the sidewalk area. Their coach, who had been running behind them, accompanied the group.

According to preliminary statements from the Anaheim Police Department, the driver—an Anaheim resident, age 27—was traveling south on Harbor Boulevard and had a green light when the vehicle left its lane, mounted the curb, and struck the students. Seven of the teens were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver was also injured and taken for medical care. Investigators noted signs of impairment and indicated there was probable cause to believe the driver was operating the vehicle unsafely due to intoxication. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI involving alcohol and drugs while the investigation continues.

Authorities impounded the Toyota and sought a search warrant to examine the vehicle. Investigators have indicated that speed and other factors may have contributed to the crash. As with many serious pedestrian collisions, detectives will likely analyze roadway evidence, surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle data, and toxicology results to determine the full sequence of events and all contributing causes.

Understanding the Investigation Process in DUI Pedestrian Crashes

In cases involving suspected impaired driving, law enforcement typically pursues several parallel lines of investigation:

• Toxicology and sobriety testing: Breath, blood, and urine tests to evaluate alcohol and drug impairment, often including a Drug Recognition Expert assessment.
• Vehicle inspection and data: Examination of the vehicle's event data recorder (EDR), airbag modules, and onboard systems; inspection for possible mechanical defects that could affect steering or braking.
• Scene documentation: Measurements of skid or yaw marks, debris fields, impact points, lighting and visibility conditions, and the roadway design at the intersection.
• Video and digital evidence: Collection of traffic-camera, business, residential, or dashcam footage; retrieval of 911 audio and CAD logs.
• Witness interviews: Statements from bystanders, passengers, other motorists, and first responders.

These steps help determine whether impairment, speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role, and they shape both criminal charges and any subsequent civil claims.

This devastating crash on North Harbor Boulevard has shaken the Anaheim community and raised serious concerns about impaired driving and pedestrian safety—especially where young people are involved. The fact that these students were lawfully waiting to cross during a school training run makes this incident particularly heartbreaking.

At Avian Law Group, our thoughts are with the injured students, their families, and the school community as they focus on healing. When suspected DUI causes harm, California law provides strong protections for victims. Our team is here to help families understand their rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue accountability and compensation for medical care, recovery, and long-term impacts. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.