An unlicensed teen driver was in custody Sunday after an accident that caused injuries to three, and nearly harmed a baby.
Just after 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon, 18-year-old Elias Mendez of Escondido, who is unlicensed, ran a red light, causing a crash between his Toyota Paseo and a Chevy Impala, according to Escondido police.
Police said Moises Lopez, 18, sustained major injuries to his neck and back, while another 17-year-old passenger had minor injuries. All three were transported to Palomar Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Impala sustained minor injuries, but refused treatment. A 1-year-old baby that was also in the Impala was uninjured, police said.
Mendez, who is to blame for the crash, was believed to have been under the influence of marijuana at the time and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, felony DUI causing injuries and driving without a license, according to police.
The Escondido Police Department's Traffic Division is investigating. Anyone with information can contact Officer Roy "Frank" Huston at (760) 839-4423.
