Santa Cruz, CA (September 15, 2025) – A pedestrian was injured Monday morning in a hit-and-run incident involving a student driver near 100 Mariner Way in Santa Cruz. The incident occurred around 11:06 a.m., triggering a response from local law enforcement and prompting a criminal investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
According to initial reports, the pedestrian was directing vehicles when they instructed a student driver to stop. The driver failed to comply and struck the pedestrian, reportedly injuring their knee. Following the impact, the student was told they needed to sign out, but instead left the scene without providing information or rendering aid.
Although the incident was initially classified as a minor-injury crash (1181), CHP later reclassified it as a felony hit-and-run (20001 VC), indicating that the driver knowingly left the scene after causing injury. Authorities confirmed that the incident resulted in non-life-threatening injuries, and the pedestrian received assistance at the scene.
The identity of the driver and pedestrian have not been disclosed. An investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement may pursue charges depending on the findings.
We hope for a full recovery for the individual injured in this incident.
