CHP Searching For Suspect In Hit And Run That Killed 4 Dogs, Hurt 2 People
CARMICHAEL (CBS13) – The California Highway Patrol has released an updated description of the suspect vehicle in a hit-and-run crash that killed four dogs and seriously injured a young couple out for an evening walk Monday.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. as 23-year-old Gemily West and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Harry Long Randall, were returning from the park with her four dogs.
"If anyone knows anything about what happened, if they'd come forward. My brother is pretty badly hurt and his girlfriend is too," a tearful Mary Beth Randall said on Tuesday outside Mercy San Juan Hospital.
They were crossing Garfield Avenue, just four houses away from Gemily's home, when a speeding car blew through a stop sign and slammed into the couple and their dogs.
The driver never hit the brakes and never stopped to help. The CHP said the car, a 1986 or 1987 Nissan Maxima sedan, metallic light brown in color, could have been going as fast as 80 mph through the residential area.
"The car was out of control. That's what made me look up," said witness Corrina Aggee. "I was actually watering outside because that's what I do at night. And then I heard a screeching, a large noise and the poor girl was screaming 'My dogs! My dogs!'"
At the time, Gemily did not realize her boyfriend had been hit. He had pushed Gemily out of the direct path of the car and ended up taking the brunt of the blow, along with the four dogs.
Harry lost a leg and is listed in critical but stable condition.
"That's my brother. He has like the biggest heart ever. He always thinks of other people before himself," Randall said.
The dogs, all Australian Cattle show dogs, were killed instantly. Their names were Bindie, Evie, Zury and Winry.
A friend of Gemily's tells CBS13 that she feels the dogs also helped save her friend's life.
The vehicle is believed to have moderate damage to the front driver's side. It is missing the driver's side rearview mirror and damaged left side running lights and turn signal lens.
"Either the vehicle was fleeing from another crime, the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or they simply panicked," Officer Todd Van Lindt said.
Anyone with information is asked the North Sacramento CHP at (916) 338-6710 or after hours, CHP Sacramento Communications Center at (916) 861-1300.
