Last Updated on October 21, 2016 by CCAR Staff
CHINO HILLS >> Authorities say a Riverside man was driving haphazardly and struck two other vehicles prior to crashing into a light pole outside of a Chino Hills high school, injuring four students Thursday afternoon.
“(Travis James) Weible was reportedly driving erratically and was involved in two separate non-injury collisions down the road,” according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department statement. “Investigators do not believe Weible intentionally tried to hit the students and has no known ties to them or the school.”
It’s unclear why the 32-year-old began to drive in such an erratic manner. Weible himself was seriously injured in the crash, suffering burns when his vehicle ignited, according to Chino Valley Fire District officials.
Just before 2:30 p.m., Weible was driving north on Peyton Drive near Ruben S. Ayala High School when his 2012 Honda Civic struck a cement streetlight on the east sidewalk just north of the school, according to a sheriff’s statement.
At the same time, four high school students, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were walking north on the sidewalk on Peyton Drive, officials said.
Although the streetlight stopped and deflected the vehicle, portions of the shattered light rained down and hurt the three youngest students, while debris and the vehicle itself appears to have struck the 17-year-old student.
The 17-year-old boy was flown to an area hospital and was listed in critical condition. Weible was also taken to the hospital. His condition was not immediately clear.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
The sheriff’s Major Accident Investigation Team has not ruled out that the driver may have been impaired, inattentive or speeding, officials said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who might have additional information on the case can call 909-364-2000.
