An SUV carrying a group of juveniles fleeing from a grocery store theft crashed into a San Luis Obispo home late Wednesday night, injuring four people, police say. The San Luis Obispo fire and police departments responded to the scene of the crash on Garcia Drive around 11:15 PM, according to a tweet by SLO City Fire.
“When we arrived at the scene, we had a level one mass casualty incident with four patients,” said Sammy Fox, SLO City Fire battalion chief. “The patients were assessed, treated and one of them was transported (to the hospital).” Three people sustained minor injuries, according to the tweet, and one with moderate injuries was transported to the hospital via ambulance.
Photos from the scene of the crash show a gaping hole in the front of the house, with a red Chevy Suburban visible inside the structure. According to the fire department, the structure was compromised by the collision and fire units were expected to remain at the scene stabilizing it while the building department assessed structural damage and stability.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department says the SUV that crashed into the home was carrying four minors, ages 14 to 17, who were allegedly fleeing from Grocery Outlet on Madonna Road after a theft. According to a news release Thursday morning, one of the minors had stolen alcohol and other items from the store and then got in the SUV which sped off.
The identity of the theft suspect is not being released at this time, as he is a minor and the investigation is still on-going, according to the release. The driver of the vehicle was also arrested for felony driving under the influence, according to SLO Police Sergeant Jason Dickel at the scene of the crash. Anyone who witnessed or has information about the investigation is encouraged to contact the Police Department at 805.781.7312… The Tribune