Child critically injured in Menifee accident

August 2, 2016 Trevor Montgomery

The two vehicles ended up in opposing lanes of traffic after the collision. William Hayes photo

MENIFEE – A child was hospitalized with critical injuries in a crash in the 27000 block of Highway 74 near Trumble Road, Sunday, July 31 in Menifee.

According to Deputy J. Cail, a young child from one of the vehicles sustained critical injuries and paramedics transported the juvenile to a local trauma center.

The driver and an adult female from the sedan with the child that was struck broadside on the left rear quarter panel were transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Three occupants of the Honda SUV reported minor complaints of pain and all declined medical treatment at the scene.

“One of the drivers is suspected of driving while impaired,” Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Edmondson wrote in a press release about the accident. A nurse responded to the accident scene to draw blood from the suspected impaired driver, in order to determine if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. Edmonds did not specify if the suspected impaired driver was from the sedan or the SUV.

A blood nurse responded to the accident scene to draw blood from one of the two drivers. Investigating deputies are awaiting toxicology reports. William Hayes photo

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Menifee Police Station and other emergency first responders rushed to the accident scene after Riverside County emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a two vehicle traffic collision at 6:15 p.m., according to Edmondson

The preliminary investigation showed a sedan exited a driveway from Jack in the Box restaurant and was struck by an SUV that was traveling on Highway 74.

The Menifee Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit responded to the location. East and westbound Highway 74 were closed in both directions while deputies conducted their investigation.

The closure of the highway lasted for several hours.

This investigation is ongoing. Investigating deputies are awaiting toxicology reports on the suspected impaired driver.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Deputy Cail at the Perris Sheriff’s Station, (951) 210-1000. Callers can refer to incident file number ME162130083 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.