BLOOMINGTON, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 4, 2026 — A man was injured overnight early Saturday, October 3, after a vehicle struck him on Santa Ana Avenue at Alder Avenue in Bloomington, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver did not stay at the scene, and the case is being handled as a felony hit-and-run.
The California Highway Patrol said a caller reported a man down in the traffic lanes shortly after midnight. Officers and medical personnel responded to the intersection and found a pedestrian who had reportedly been hit by a vehicle that left before help arrived.
The incident was initially logged as a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash and was later reclassified to reflect that a second vehicle may have been involved, the CHP log shows. Investigators are treating the driver's failure to remain at the scene as a violation of California's hit-and-run statute.
The man's condition has not been released. The CHP said media had arrived on scene as officers worked to document the crash and search for the vehicle involved.
No arrests had been announced as of the time of this report. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate and is asking anyone with information about the vehicle involved to come forward.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
When Hit-And-Run Crashes Involving Pedestrians Are Most Likely
Hit-and-run crashes involving people on foot cluster heavily after dark, especially in the late evening and overnight hours when traffic volumes drop but driver speeds often rise. Streets that feel empty encourage faster driving, and a pedestrian stepping into a lane can be harder to see until it's too late to stop.
Weekend overnight hours, particularly the stretch from midnight to around 3 a.m., see an outsized share of these crashes. Fatigue, alcohol or drug impairment, and reduced street lighting all factor in, and a driver who has been drinking is also more likely to flee.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That figure reflects how often the driver responsible leaves before police or witnesses can identify them, which is part of why agencies lean so heavily on physical evidence and surveillance footage in these investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Even a few seconds of looking away from the road, at a phone or elsewhere, means a driver can miss a pedestrian, a stopped car, or a traffic signal until it's too late to react.
How do weather and road conditions contribute to crashes?
Darkness, rain, and poor lighting reduce how quickly a driver can spot someone in the roadway, and they also increase stopping distances and the chance of losing control.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, and stay at the scene. Exchange information with other drivers if any are present, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately obvious.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Intersections and roadway crossings are common crash sites, particularly where visibility is limited or where pedestrians must cross multiple lanes of traffic.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Crash in Bloomington, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, try to note the vehicle's description, direction of travel, and license plate if possible, then call 911 right away. Do not attempt to chase or confront the driver.
Anyone injured should seek medical care promptly, even for injuries that seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours or days to appear. Don't forget to request a copy of the official incident report once it's available, and keep records of any medical treatment received.
If you have information about a hit-and-run in Bloomington, contact the California Highway Patrol or local law enforcement. Tips from witnesses are often what help investigators identify the vehicle and driver involved.