Vehicle hits 25 sheriff’s academy recruits on run

WHITTIER >> An SUV traveling on the wrong side of the road struck 25 Los Angeles County sheriff’s academy recruits on a training run around dawn Wednesday, critically injuring five of them, authorities said.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the range of the most serious injuries included head trauma, broken bones and “loss of limb.”

The crash investigation is being handled by the California Highway Patrol and “so far, it looks like it’s an accident, a horrific accident,” Villanueva said.

CHP Assistant Chief Charlie Sampson said about 75 recruits were running in formation northbound in the street when the southbound vehicle veered into the opposing lane and struck the victims.