[04-18-2023] Ventura County, CA – Teen Killed, Three Others Injured After Stabbing Suspect Runs Over Students in Thousand Oaks

Authorities reported that a suspect leaving a stabbing scene plowed into a group of students on the sidewalk near Westlake High School, Thousand Oaks. This incident killed a 15-year-old boy and injured three other teenagers on Tuesday afternoon, April 18, 2023.

Around 2:48 p.m., Simi Valley police officers were dispatched to Walmart at 255 W. Cochran St. in response to reports of a customer stabbing a store employee. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived, but witnesses provided information about the suspect’s car.

Ventura County deputies responded to allegations of an “injury collision” involving the stabbing suspect’s vehicle at about 3:40 p.m. near the intersection of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Lakeview Canyon Road while Simi Valley police were investigating the stabbing.

Wesley W., a 15-year-old boy, was killed after sustaining fatal wounds. Officials say three teenagers, ages 16, 14, and 15, were transported to a nearby hospital.

According to authorities, the other two teenagers have been released, but the 14-year-old girl is still in critical condition in the hospital.

The suspect, Austin E., 24, was also transported to the hospital with unidentified wounds. Jail records show he was arrested Wednesday morning in Ventura County.

Best Thousand Oaks Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers

The family member of a victim who has been killed or seriously injured may file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. In these circumstances, the defendant or insurance provider may try to reduce their liability by compelling the victim to provide an audio or video statement that may be used against them in court.

You can rely on our Thousand Oaks reckless driving accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

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What to Do After a Reckless Driving Accident

Thinking correctly after a reckless-driving incident may be difficult, especially if you’ve been hurt. Your actions and remarks at the accident scene could be very critical. Avoiding the following activities could increase your personal injury claim value:

• Contact the police immediately to ensure an officer registers an accident report.
• Obtain photographs of the car that struck you, your injuries, the accident scene, property damage, the weather, road conditions, and the accident scene.
• Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw something.
• Any bodily injury should be immediately reported to a doctor or healthcare provider.
• Describe how you feel, the care you receive, and the costs you incur while keeping a record of your wounds and healing process.
• Consult a qualified attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster or accepting a settlement offer.
• Don’t share information regarding accidents or similar events on social media.
• Contact an expert California pedestrian accident attorney immediately to discuss your situation.

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

In the US, reckless driving causes thousands of collisions each year and hundreds of fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines reckless driving as “willful disregard” for other road users’ safety.

Aggressive driving episodes–speeding and changing lanes abruptly–might occur in response to specific situations, like when drivers run away from authorities. According to the AAA, between 2003 and 2007, 56% of all traffic accidents were caused by reckless driving.

Speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades. In 2020, speeding killed 11,258 people.