Family of 5 on bikes injured in hit-and-run crash in Garden Grove; DUI suspect arrested
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- An alleged DUI hit-and-run left a 5-year-old boy clinging to life and other members of a Garden Grove family hospitalized in critical condition.
The collision happened as the parents were out for a bike ride, pulling their three children in bicycle trailers Sunday night.
The driver fled the scene, but a witness followed the vehicle and helped police catch the suspect.
It happened Sunday just after 7:30 p.m. near Haster Street and Twintree Lane. Investigators say two adults riding bicycles were pulling the children in bicycle trailers when they were all hit.
All five family members, including a 27-year-old man and 25-year-woman, were taken to the hospital. Three of them - two children and their father - were in critical condition.
Angela Hernandez was struck by the vehicle, but since her injuries were less severe, she has been spending her time since then visiting her children and their father in different Orange County hospitals.
"I blacked out," she recalled. "I just remember a car hit us. Like something hit me. I got up right away. I felt like a rush and I just got up, I tried to get my kids up. I tried to check on Angel, their dad. I didn't see my son moving, not responding."
She is most worried about her 5-year-old son, Jacob Ramirez.
"I just hope he survives. He already went into two surgeries. They tried to stop the bleeding. His brain is really swollen. He's not responding to anything. I just hope he makes it."
Her 8-month-old daughter Lydia is in stable condition, her 6-year-old daughter Gianna is critical, and their father Angel Ramirez, is also in critical condition.
Surveillance video obtained by Eyewitness News shows the moment before the collision. You can see a black car going 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 bicycles 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 and hit-and-run.
Police are still conducting their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
A GoFundMe page has been started for injured members of the Ramirez family.
