[12-10-2025] Orange County, CA – Eight Students Injured After Driver Veers Onto Sidewalk at North Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim

Eight high school track athletes were injured when a driver suspected of DUI veered onto a sidewalk and struck them in Anaheim on Wednesday afternoon, December 10, 2025.

The collision occurred around 2:55 p.m. on the southwest corner of North Harbor Boulevard and North Street, less than a mile from Anaheim High School. The students had been waiting for the light to change during their run when they were hit by a Toyota Corolla driven by 27-year-old resident Anthony Alva-Palafox.

According to the preliminary investigation by the Anaheim Police Department, Alva-Palafox was southbound on Harbor Boulevard at North Street, facing a green light, when his vehicle went off the roadway, onto the sidewalk, and struck the group. Seven of the students were transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The students, aged 16 and 17, were accompanied by their coach, who had been running behind them.

Alva-Palafox was also injured and taken to a hospital. Sgt. Matt Sutter said the driver showed signs of intoxication, and officers had probable cause to believe he was operating the vehicle unsafely due to intoxication. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Toyota was impounded, and investigators sought a search warrant to examine the vehicle. Sutter said speed and other factors contributed to the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate.