CARMICHAEL, CA (News 10) - Two people were seriously hurt, and their four dogs killed in a late-night hit and run in Carmichael.
According to California Highway Patrol Sgt. Troy Rivers, the incident occurred some time after 10 p.m. Monday as Harison Randall, 21, of Grass Valley, and Gemily West, 23, of Carmichael, were walking their dogs across Garfield Avenue at Engle Road.
As they were crossing, the couple noticed a vehicle heading toward the intersection at a high rate of speed. Thinking the car was going to turn left away from them, Randall and West continued and the car veered back towards them, said Rivers.
The approaching vehicle, later described as a 1986 or '87 light brown Nissan Maxima or Stanza sedan, blew through a stop sign, knocking it over before hitting Randall, West and all of their dogs, Rivers said.
Randall's leg was severed from the impact, West suffered a broken leg, and all four dogs, Australian cattle dogs, were killed.
"I looked across the street, and unfortunately there was the gentleman's leg, I vomited, then ran over to the gentlemen with a pillow," said Corrina Aggee, who saw the entire accident. "He actually looked up at me and said, 'I'm going to be okay'."
The car continued without stopping, fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed, said Rivers.
"Either the vehicle was fleeing from another crime that was committed, the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or they simply panicked," CHP Officer Todd VanLindt said.
Investigating officers believe Randall suffered greater injuries because he tried to protect his girlfriend from the impact.
"Her boyfriend is a hero. If he hadn't pushed her out of the way, my sister would be dead. She would have taken the full brunt of the impact just like her poor dogs," said Trevor West, West's brother.
The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Randall was listed in critical condition, and West was said to be in serious condition.
The entire area was closed through 5:20 a.m. Tuesday due to cleanup and investigation efforts.
Officer Todd VanLindt of the CHP said the car that hit Randall and West was a Nissan Maxima that should be missing the driver-side mirror and turn lights, and would likely have front end damage.