Intoxicated driver plows into crowd of hundreds, mows down 9 pedestrians before crashing into tree: Cops

Authorities in California say a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving impaired and causing a massive collision involving nine pedestrians.

According to CNN, Anaheim resident Christopher Solis was arrested on Sunday morning, shortly after police received reports that a vehicle had mowed down a crowd of people on a sidewalk in Fullerton.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. and involved a red Toyota Tacoma found at the scene with multiple victims trapped underneath, according to police reports.

After crashing through a crowd that included hundreds of people on the sidewalk and in adjacent areas at the time, investigators say Solis’ truck plowed into a tree.

When officers arrived, they reported the vehicle was still smoking and showed signs of serious body damage.

Aided by witnesses, officers were able to free those underneath by lifting the pickup truck, according to a news release from the Fullerton Police Department.

“With the help of some nearby Good Samaritans, FPD officers were able to life the Toyota Tacoma enough to free the pedestrians who had been struck and were now stuck underneath it,” the police statement read.

A total of 10 individuals were transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries reported as ranging from moderate to life-threatening. According to KTLA, police identified the victims as between the ages of 18 and 49.

In addition to the truck, police reports indicate three other vehicles were struck and damaged in the collision, as reported by the Sacramento Bee.

Solis is expected to face criminal charges including driving while intoxicated causing great bodily injury.

[Featured image: Christopher Solis, Fullerton Police Department]