The crash happened around 2:55 p.m. at Harbor Boulevard and North Street.
Anaheim, CA – Police arrested 27-year-old Anthony Alva-Palafox after he allegedly drove onto a sidewalk and struck eight Anaheim High School athletes during a training run Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened around 2:55 p.m. at Harbor Boulevard and North Street.
Police say Alva-Palafox, driving an orange Toyota Corolla, veered off the southbound lane, mounted the curb, and hit the group of teens standing on the corner. The car continued until it crashed into a retaining wall.
Seven of the students, all 16 or 17 years old, were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. One remained in critical condition by Thursday afternoon, though none were considered life-threatening. Five of them had already been released from the hospital, according to the Anaheim Union High School District.
Alva-Palafox was also hospitalized for his injuries before being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Police impounded the vehicle, with a search warrant pending.
The investigation is ongoing, with speed and additional factors still being reviewed.
In recent years, Anaheim has consistently recorded a high volume of traffic accidents, leading Orange County in total crash volume, which is partially attributed to its large population. In 2022 alone, Anaheim saw 7,398 total traffic accidents, with 1,134 of these being injury and fatal crashes, making it the city with the highest number of such incidents in Orange County that year. For 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported 2,084 total victims killed and injured in fatal and injury collisions in Anaheim. Unsafe speed, driving under the influence (DUI), and right-of-way violations continue to be the primary causes of these crashes. Data from the Anaheim Police Department highlights the persistence of speeding issues; in 2023, there were 484 crashes attributed to unsafe speed, resulting in 498 injuries and 2 fatalities, with similar figures in 2024 (535 crashes, 520 injuries, 1 fatality). Anaheim also faces ongoing challenges with vulnerable road users, with significant numbers of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities occurring annually, often near freeway entrances, poorly lit intersections, and high-speed zones. The city continues to focus on increased enforcement, community education, and engineering improvements to mitigate these risks.
Were You or Your Loved One Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
If your loved one was hurt in this pedestrian crash, you may have the right to seek for damages. Visit our Anaheim personal injury lawyer page to learn the legal options you have.