Oakland police and emergency crews responded to a serious crash after two young boys lost control of a vehicle they had taken from their mother. The incident left a pedestrian in critical condition and sent the boys to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Dramatic video captured the moments before and after the crash. Police say the boys, both under age 10, took their parents' car without permission, lost control of the steering wheel, hit another vehicle, and then struck the woman.
“All she was doing was walking her dog, you know, and it's unfortunate. It's very heartbreaking,” witness Lavelle Scah-Marquis told CBS Bay Area.
The crash occurred in Oakland, a city where pedestrian safety has become a growing concern. Neighborhood groups and city leaders have repeatedly called for safer crosswalks, lower speed limits, and better enforcement to protect people walking dogs, children, and families. This incident adds urgency to those demands.
Bay Area communities have dealt with a number of serious pedestrian crashes in recent years. Many victims are struck while doing everyday activities such as walking, jogging, or crossing streets. The latest case is a reminder that vehicle access at home can also carry serious risks when young children are involved.
Police are continuing their investigation. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the boys are listed as stable. Residents are urged to secure car keys and talk with children about vehicle safety.