Deputies arrested an Apple Valley man on suspicion of attempted murder after they say he intentionally struck two pedestrians with a car this week.
The incident unfolded shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Bear Valley and Navajo roads, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The collision was initially reported as an apparent hit-and-run, sheriff’s officials said. First responders encountered two pedestrians — a 19-year-old Apple Valley woman and a 17-year-old Apple Valley boy — who had been struck and injured by a vehicle.
The young woman suffered injuries described as major, while the boy was treated for moderate injuries, officials said.
Investigators soon determined the collision was not accidental.
“During the investigation, deputies determined the suspect, identified as Ivan [Alfred] Lizarraga, intentionally drove his vehicle into two pedestrians before fleeing the scene without rendering aid or notifying law enforcement,” according to a sheriff’s department statement.
Lizarraga, 19, of Apple Valley, was found and arrested less than an hour later at his home in the 21100 block of Nisqually Road, county jail records show.
Further details regarding a motive in the alleged vehicular attack were not available.
Prosecutors from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, July 28, filed charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and hit-and-run against Lizarraga, San Bernardino County Superior Court records show. He was also accused of sentence-enhancing special allegations of causing great bodily injury. He was yet to enter a plea.
Bail was set at $1 million pending legal proceedings.
Anyone with information can reach the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.l
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley man accused of intentionally striking two people with car
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
