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LA PUENTE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 14, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash reportedly injured occupants of a vehicle on westbound Temple Avenue near N. Sunset Avenue in La Puente Tuesday afternoon, October 13, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said a vehicle collided with another vehicle in the westbound lanes of Temple Avenue, though the makes and models of those involved were not immediately confirmed. Officers reported that a child was in one of the vehicles at the time of the crash. It was unclear whether the vehicles were blocking traffic lanes afterward.
The suspect vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. A description identified one of the vehicles involved as a black Toyota van, though the suspect vehicle's description remained unavailable. Hacienda La Puente school police units responded to the area and later told dispatchers they had located a vehicle matching the suspect description, after which the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was asked to respond to take over that portion of the investigation.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the crash, according to the Sheriff's Department. The CHP said it would continue handling identification of the vehicle involved, and the extent of injuries to those in the victim vehicle had not been released as of Tuesday afternoon.
The investigation remains active, and no arrests had been announced.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen and How Speed Plays a Role
A driver's decision to flee usually comes down to what they stand to lose if they stay, whether that's a suspended license, an outstanding warrant, or the fear of a DUI charge. But speed often sets up the crash in the first place. A driver moving faster than conditions allow has less time to react to a vehicle merging, turning, or slowing ahead, and by the time contact happens, there's often no room left to stop and no willingness to wait around for police.
Speed also shapes how bad the crash turns out to be. A low-speed tap in a parking lot rarely sends anyone running. A harder impact, the kind that crumples a bumper or spins a vehicle into another lane, raises the stakes for everyone involved and gives a driver a stronger incentive to leave before anyone gets a plate number or a clear look at the vehicle.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That figure points to how often drivers choose to leave the scene even when someone has clearly been hurt, not just in low-stakes fender benders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a driver do if they're hit by another vehicle that leaves the scene?
Stay at the scene, call 911, and try to note the fleeing vehicle's color, make, direction of travel, and any part of the license plate. Write down details while they're fresh and ask any witnesses to do the same.
What injuries commonly result from these crashes?
Occupants can suffer whiplash, bruising from seatbelts or airbags, and in harder impacts, broken bones or head injuries. Even crashes that look minor can cause injuries that aren't obvious until hours later, so getting checked out is worth it.
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, failing to yield, and following too closely. Higher speeds make all of these harder to recover from once a mistake happens.
Does speed really change how severe a crash is?
Yes. Higher speed means less time to react and more force at the moment of impact, which raises the chance of serious injury even in a crash that might otherwise have been minor.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in La Puente, CA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, get yourself and any passengers to safety first, then call 911 so officers can begin searching for the other vehicle while the trail is still warm. Even if you feel fine, ask for a medical evaluation, since adrenaline can mask pain from injuries that show up later.
Remember to take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and anything nearby that might have caught the other vehicle on camera, such as traffic or business cameras. Make sure to file a report with local police or the California Highway Patrol and keep a copy for your records. If a child or other passenger was in the vehicle, let paramedics check them too, even if they seem unhurt.
