Nicholas Gutierrez Wiki

Nicholas Gutierrez Biography

The driver of an oncoming SUV accused of intentionally hitting dozens of Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday, leaving several critically injured, was arrested after the carnage, police said.

Nicholas Gutierrez, 22, was allegedly behind the wheel of the oncoming vehicle and crashed into a group of 75 recruits as they were out for a morning run just before 6:30 a.m., police said.

Arrested and Charged

He was charged with attempted murder of a peace officer for the horrific incident, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

At least 25 recruits were injured, five seriously and some with missing limbs, according to the sheriff’s office.

“There were so many bodies scattered everywhere in different states of injury that it was quite traumatic for everyone involved,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

Some of the recruits reported that Gutierrez may have accelerated in the moments before impact, Villanueva added. They said they heard the SUV accelerate.

Investigation

Investigators believe he was going between 30 and 40 mph when he struck them and then hit a utility pole, ultimately bringing the SUV to a stop.

The recruits said they didn’t have time to react or get out of the way.

Some suffered “life-changing injuries” such as loss of limbs and head trauma, Villanueva said.

The department is investigating what caused the accident.

The recruits were accompanied by eight road guards in high-visibility reflective vests, as well as drill instructors and two security vehicles.

Gutierrez took a field sobriety test and had no alcohol in his system. He was arrested on the spot.