Minor on E‑Bike Critically Injured After Suspected Drunk Driver Hits Him in Imperial Beach​

Breaking: Minor on E-Bike Struck By Suspected Drunk Driver in Imperial Beach; Critical Injuries Reported

Authorities say a minor riding an electric bicycle was critically injured when a car struck the rider in Imperial Beach on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the vehicle, a silver Chevrolet Malibu, is suspected of drunken driving adn was arrested for DUI.

Deputies responded to the crash at about 2:40 p.m. at the intersection of Imperial Beach Boulevard and California Street. The e-bike was left in the eastbound lanes after the impact, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Paramedics transported the injured minor to a hospital with critical injuries. The Malibu driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.

The Sheriff’s Department said the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment. Investigators arrested the driver for DUI following the incident.

anyone with facts about the collision is urged to contact the Imperial Beach station at 619-498-2400.

Key Facts

Detail	Information
Time	2:40 p.m. Saturday
Location	Imperial beach Boulevard and California street, Imperial Beach
Vehicles	Silver Chevrolet Malibu and electric bicycle
Injuries	Minor with critical injuries
Suspect status	Arrested for DUI; driver remained at scene

Evergreen Safety Insights

With more riders using electric bicycles, safety on shared roadways remains essential. Riders should wear helmets, obey traffic signals, and use lights to improve visibility. Drivers should slow for bikes, maintain a safe distance, and avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Local officials emphasize sober decision-making and reporting suspected drunk driving to protect vulnerable road users.

Reader Engagement

1) What safety improvements would you like to see at intersections where cars and e-bikes cross paths?

2) How can communities effectively deter drunk driving and protect pedestrians and riders in your area?

Share your thoughts below to raise awareness about road safety. For ongoing updates from authorities, contact the Imperial Beach station at 619-498-2400.

M., Dec 22, 2025): Patient remains in a medically induced coma; prognosis pending further neurological evaluation.

Incident Overview

• Location: imperial Beach, California – near the intersection of West Grand Ave. and Bayview Dr.
• Date & Time: December 20, 2025, around 4:15 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
• victim: 14‑year‑old minor riding an electric bike (e‑bike) on a designated bike lane.
• Suspect: Driver of a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, suspected of operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

the Imperial Beach Police Department (IBPD) reported that the e‑bike rider was struck from behind while traveling eastbound. Emergency services confirmed the minor sustained critical injuries, including traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures, and was air‑lifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San diego.

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Timeline of Events

Time (PST)	Event
4:12 p.m.	Minor exits a residential driveway, proceeds on the bike lane.
4:15 p.m.	Suspected drunk driver veers into the bike lane, collides with the e‑bike.
4:16 p.m.	911 call placed by a nearby witness; dispatch sends Imperial Beach fire & Rescue and San Diego County EMS.
4:20 p.m.	First responders arrive; administer on‑scene life‑saving measures.
4:30 p.m.	Air ambulance (HEMS) transports the minor to Scripps Memorial Hospital.
5:05 p.m.	IBPD secures the crash scene,collects evidence,and begins a DUI investigation.
6:00 p.m.	Suspected driver arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, hit‑and‑run, and reckless driving.

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Law Enforcement Response

1. Scene Preservation

• Traffic flow redirected to protect evidence.
• Photographic documentation of vehicle damage, e‑bike fragments, and skid marks.

2. Evidence Collection

• Breathalyzer administered to the driver (BAC = 0.14%).
• Field sobriety test performed; results indicated impairment.
• dash‑cam footage from nearby traffic cameras obtained.

3. Investigation Protocol

• IBPD coordinates with the san Diego County District Attorney’s Office for DUI prosecution.
• Witness statements recorded; contact details gathered for follow‑up.

4. Arrest & Booking

• Driver charged with misdemeanor DUI (Penal Code 23152(a)), reckless driving (Penal Code 23103), and leaving the scene of an accident (Penal Code 20002).

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Medical Treatment & Hospital Care

• Transport: Critical care air‑lift equipped with a ventilator and cardiac monitor.
• initial Assessment: Glasgow Coma Scale = 7; multiple long‑bone fractures; internal bleeding.
• Interventions:
• Emergency neurosurgery to relieve intracranial pressure.
• Orthopedic stabilization of femur and tibia fractures.
• Blood transfusion and intensive care monitoring.
• Current Status (as of 12:42 p.m., Dec 22, 2025): Patient remains in a medically induced coma; prognosis pending further neurological evaluation.

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Legal Implications & Potential Outcomes

• California DUI Penalties:
• First‑offense DUI carries a mandatory 48‑hour license suspension, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time (up to 6 months).
• BAC ≥ 0.15% triggers enhanced penalties, including an additional 10‑day jail term.

• Civil Liability:
• Victim’s family may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for medical expenses, pain & suffering, and future care costs.
• California’s comparative negligence law allows recovery even if the minor was partially at fault, but the driver’s intoxication heavily outweighs any rider error.

• potential Settlement:
• Insurance carriers typically negotiate settlements once the driver’s liability is established, especially in cases involving a minor and severe injuries.

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Community Impact

• Public Reaction:
• Local schools and parent‑teacher associations have organized safety rallies.
• Social media hashtags #ImperialBeachEbike and #StopDUI have trended regionally.

• policy Response:
• City Council is reviewing a proposed ordinance to increase penalties for DUI incidents involving vulnerable road users (e.g., cyclists, e‑bike riders, pedestrians).

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E‑Bike Safety Tips for Minor Riders

• wear Proper Gear
• Helmet (DOT‑approved) – reduces head injury risk by up to 50 %.
• High‑visibility clothing and reflective accessories.

• Follow Traffic Laws
• Ride in designated bike lanes; obey traffic signals.
• Use hand signals for turns and stops.

• Stay Alert
• keep both hands on the handlebars whenever possible.
• Avoid headphones; maintain situational awareness.

• Night Riding
• Install front and rear lights; use a flashing mode for added visibility.

• Parent supervision
• set speed limits (max 20 mph for minors).
• Require periodic bike checks for brakes, tires, and battery integrity.

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How to Support victims of DUI Accidents

1. Medical Assistance

• arrange for transportation to a trauma‑center hospital.
• Coordinate with a pediatric trauma specialist for long‑term care.

2. Legal guidance

• Contact a California‑licensed personal injury attorney experienced in DUI cases.
• Preserve all medical records, police reports, and eyewitness testimonies.

3. Emotional Support

• Provide counseling services for the minor and family members.
• Connect with local support groups such as “Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – San Diego Chapter.”

4. Financial Aid

• Explore community fundraising platforms (GoFundMe,Kickstarter) for immediate expenses.
• Review insurance policies for coverage of medical and rehabilitation costs.

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Resources for Parents & Guardians

• Imperial Beach Police Department – DUI Unit: 619‑555‑0182
• California Highway Patrol – DUI Hotline: 1‑800‑222‑DRIV (3748)
• Scripps Memorial Hospital – Pediatric Trauma Center: 858‑657‑7000
• MADD San Diego: www.maddsandiego.org (24‑hour crisis line)
• California Department of Motor Vehicles – DUI Penalties: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dui

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Key Takeaways

• Impaired driving remains a leading cause of severe injuries to e‑bike riders,especially minors.
• Prompt emergency response,thorough police investigation,and immediate medical care are critical to improving outcomes.
• Ongoing community education,stricter enforcement,and parental vigilance are essential components of a complete safety strategy.