5 pedestrians struck by vehicle at bus stop in Boyle Heights

BOYLE HEIGHTS, Calif. (FOX 11) - Five people were struck by a vehicle at a bus stop in Boyle Heights on Friday afternoon, according to city fire officials.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a minivan left the roadway, in an attempt to avoid a traffic collision, striking five people at or near the transit bus shelter located adjacent to Lani Vest Pocket Park.

The incident was first reported at 12:55 p.m. near the 100 block of N. Chicago Street.

Emergency services said there were six patients total, five of whom were transported to area hospitals by ambulance. Those transported consisted of two females, ages 61 and 40, and three males, ages 55, 17 and 20, according to city fire officials. The sixth patient declined LAFD care at the scene.

The driver whom police say drove through the intersection against the red light and collided with a Toyota Sienna van was identified as Joshua Garcia, a resident of Montebello, by authorities. The names and conditions of the victims were not immediately released.

The driver reportedly was detained for questioning.

Investigators say a witness chased Garcia down after the crash and held him until police arrived.

Garcia was arrested and booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center for hit-and-run and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Officials say the victims in the crash suffered moderate to severe injuries.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Central Traffic detectives at 213-833-3713.