Teen Critically Injured Near San Juan High School

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — A San Juan Hills High School student was struck by an SUV and critically injured during school drop off Tuesday. Teens were arriving to the campus for classes at the time the 14-year-old boy was struck, officials said.

"The boy (whose name was withheld) was struck by a 2015 Infiniti SUV at approximately 7:30 a.m. at Via Pamplona and Vista Montana," information officer Jaimee Blashaw of the Orange County Sheriff's Department said. "He was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo in critical condition."

The teen appeared to be near a crosswalk, but it has not been determined if he was jaywalking. The driver remained on scene and was not cited. The boy's mother was on scene when paramedics arrived, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.

Casey Elliott, who lives on Via Zamora, across the street from San Juan Hills high school, is a frequent witness to the traffic at the beginning and end of the school day. Elliott was in the area just prior to the collision, but was not present at the time of the crash.

Based on witness reports, the boy was dropped off in the Whispering Hills neighborhood on Stallion Ridge and Via Pamplona, within walking distance of the school. The boy was allegedly in the cross walk at the time of the crash. [Watch full interview below]

The victim's parents dropped him off, a group of kids crossed the street and the victim's parent saw him get hit by the car, Elliott told Patch. Traffic was so bad that it took a long time for emergency vehicles to reach the victim.

The boy's condition may include a skull fracture and multiple head injuries, Elliott said. In a statement about the incident, San Juan Hills High School said the boy was conscious as paramedics transported him to the hospital.

Counselors Tuesday were called on-site for students, families and staff.

"Many families have expressed concerns about the safety of the crosswalk, and we continue to work with the city of San Juan Capistrano to address these concerns," the school said.

Patch asked CUSD to comment about the student and drop-off conditions but has yet to receive a reply.

Patch Freelancer Amy Spurgeon Hoffman contributed to this report.

Photo: Amy Spurgeon Hoffman