DUI Suspect Linked to Incident Involving 8 Runners from Anaheim High School
Eight Anaheim High School Athletes Struck by Suspected DUI Driver
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Authorities have identified a 27-year-old man as the suspect in a serious incident involving eight Anaheim High School track athletes who were struck by a vehicle during practice.
Officials named Anthony Alva-Palafox, a resident of Anaheim, as the driver involved in the collision. The event occurred just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, at the intersection of North Street and Harbor Boulevard. According to investigators, the athletes were waiting at a red light when they were hit by Alva-Palafox’s red sedan.
Alva-Palafox exhibited "objective signs of intoxication" at the scene and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He was also treated for injuries sustained in the crash. His vehicle has been impounded, with a search warrant pending to gather further evidence related to the investigation.
Of the eight students struck, three were reported to be in critical condition and received immediate medical attention. In response to the incident, counseling services have been made available for affected students and staff, highlighting the community’s support in the wake of this tragedy.
