OAKLAND — Nine members of a family, including two children ages 2 and 8 who are in critical condition, were injured Thursday night when the van they were in was struck by a suspected drunken driver who failed to stop for a red light, authorities said Friday.
The 32-year-old suspect tried to run from the scene but was apprehended and held for police by the driver of another vehicle struck and area residents, police said. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail after being treated for injuries he sustained.
The collision happened about 8:39 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of International Boulevard and 38th Avenue in the Fruitvale district.
Police said six children ranging in age from 2 to early teens, were in a Honda Odyssey van that also contained their parents and another adult that was going northbound on 38th Avenue.
Police said a Pontiac G6 driven by the suspect, was traveling an estimated 90 mph eastbound on International and had been weaving in an out of a bus lane before it failed to stop for a red light at 38th Avenue and broadsided the van.
The 2-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl were both ejected, police said. They were taken to a hospital and were listed in critical condition with severe head trauma.
The other children and adults were also taken to hospitals for treatment of various injuries, authorities said.
Police said after striking the van, the Pontiac then hit a Jeep Wrangler that had been stopped in the 3800 block of International Boulevard.
The man driving the Jeep joined area residents in chasing down and catching the suspect who was trying to run away from the scene, authorities said.
Police said alcohol was a factor in the collision. The suspect was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence, hit-and-run causing death or great bodily injury, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. He was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The collision remains under investigation and police are asking anyone with information to contact traffic investigators at 510-777-8570.