Canyon Car Wreck Arouses Suspicion; School Briefly Put in Lockdown

A Monday afternoon single-car accident in Laguna Canyon aroused suspicion from several eyewitnesses after the driver and several occupants immediately fled the scene on foot instead of sticking around for emergency personnel to arrive.

As a precaution, Anneleisse School was requested to lock down their facility and keep all children indoors. The lockdown lasted approximately 30 minutes, according to a release issued by Sgt. Louise Callus of the Laguna Beach Police Department.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of Laguna Canyon and El Toro roads. Witnesses reported seeing four to five juveniles leaving the car—a red Ford Mustang, which had also struck a utility pole—and running away from the scene.

After police officers arrived and searched the car, they found signs that the car may have been stolen. However, as of 4:40 p.m., this was not yet confirmed, according to the LBPD.

Police also began a search for the missing driver and passengers and found four possible suspects within a quarter-mile of the accident site. Four juveniles—two males and two females—were quickly located and held, with the two females sent off to Mission Hospital to be treated for minor facial cuts. According to Sgt. Callus, all suspects are currently being interviewed.

Laguna Canyon Road, which had been blocked off during the investigation, causing major traffic delays, is now open again to traffic, as is El Toro Road.