Monday 21 November 2022 05:56 AM LA cadet deliberately struck by driver during run is now in 'grave condition' trends now
One of the LA County Sheriff's cadets that was hospitalized after being hit by an SUV while on a training run last Wednesday is now said to be fighting for his life.
Alejandro Martinez suffered serious injuries, but he has since deteriorated and is said to be in a 'grave condition,' according to the LA County Sheriff's Department.
The department said in a press release on Sunday afternoon that Martinez's condition worsened and asked people to 'keep him and his family in [their] prayers'.
Martinez was one of 25 sheriff's recruits out for a training run in southern California when they were 'deliberately' hit by Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, who was driving an SUV.
Three other cadets that were hospitalized after the collision remained in a critical condition, the sheriff's department said.
Gutierrez was released last Thursday night after authorities said they wanted more time to gather evidence to present to the District Attorney's office.
LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the suspect was 'provisionally' released, but indicated that investigators 'developed probable cause to believe it was intentional.'
He said investigators believe it was intentional after 'an exhaustive interview process with everyone involved, with the video surveillance, the statements from the recruits, the physical evidence they have and what they got from the suspect himself.'
Gutierrez was taken into custody at the scene of the horrific crash along Mills Avenue in Whittier on Wednesday morning, as 25 recruits suffered injuries including head trauma, broken bones and a 'loss of limb,' with at least five critically injured.
Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, was released from jail after he was charged with attempted murder as authorities need more time to gather evidence in the case against him
LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he was 'provisionally' released, but said that investigators 'developed probable cause to believe it was intentional'
A tweet put out by LA County Sheriff's Department on Sunday afternoon
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At many as 25 recruits suffered injuries including head trauma, broken bones and a 'loss of limb,' with five critically injured following the crash in Whittier on Wednesday morning
'It’s not like they arrested the wrong suspect,' Deputy Deanna Mares told CNN . 'They just want to make sure the investigation is going to be complete.'
'Due to the extreme complexity of the investigation, which includes ongoing interviews, video surveillance review, and additional evidence needed to be analyzed, homicide investigators have released Mr. Gutierrez from the Sheriff’s Department custody,' authorities said in a statement.
His release came after new surveillance footage was released showing the moment the driver barreled into a group.
The graphic footage obtained by ABC7 captured seconds before the crash shows the recruits wearing white t-shirts and jogging together in formation in the area of Mills Road and Telegraph Road with two patrol cars following.
There appears to be little traffic on the residential street when a Honda SUV suddenly appears and slams into the group of recruits with no clear indication of slowing down.
The 22-year-old driver may have even sped up shortly before the collision, Villanueva previously
