California Highway Patrol investigators have tracked down and interviewed a juvenile suspect who is believed to have triggered a head-on crash that sent two people to the hospital with major injuries Friday.
The crash occurred at about 9:50 a.m. Friday, when the suspect pulled out of Lone Star Road onto Highway 49 in Placer County, ignoring heavy oncoming traffic.
Sandy Castle, 60, of Grass Valley was forced to swerve out of the way, but hit a vehicle driven by Edmund Moley, 76, of Auburn.
Both suffered major, but non-life-threatening injuries and are in serious condition at Sutter Roseville Medical Center.
Several people stopped to assist the victims and one witness chased down the 17-year-old driver who caused the action, said investigating Officer Eric Karla.
The one who chased the driver got photos of him and his car, Karla said.
The driver returned to the scene of the accident, but then took off again.
CHP officers were able to meet the suspect at his home in the San Jose area, where he was interviewed, but refused a chemical sobriety test, Karla said.
Although he did not hit any other vehicles, he is expected to be charged with felony hit-and-run, Karla said.
However, officers are still seeking witnesses, in part because Moley and Castle were so severely injured they have no memories of what transpired.
Witnesses are asked to call Karla at Auburn CHP, (916) 663-3344.
Rather than arresting the suspect, who is not identified because of his age, the CHP will investigate and provide their findings to the District Attorney for prosecution.
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