Five-Year-Old Boy Declared Brain Dead Post Family Struck by DUI Suspect in Hit-and-Run Incident in Garden Grove: Prosecutors
Tragedy strikes an enjoyable evening ride
A 5-year-old boy was declared brain dead following a deadly encounter with a DUI suspect in Garden Grove, according to prosecutors. The family, including the boy, his siblings, and their parents were all victims in this hit-and-run incident.
The horrifying event took place on a Sunday evening. The family was enjoying a leisurely ride on Haster Street at Twin Tree Lane. Riding in bike trailers, the parents, and their three children were struck by a 2003 Toyota Camry, abruptly bringing their peaceful evening to a tragic halt.
The innocent 5-year-old boy Jacob Ramirez, his 7-year-old sister, and their 27-year-old father, Angel, were immediately rushed to local hospitals in critical condition. Meanwhile, Angela Hernandez Mejia, 25, the children’s mother, and their 7-month-old sister were also hospitalized, though their vital signs remained stable. The mother was later discharged.
Suspect arrested and charged
The DUI suspect linked to this heartbreaking incident was swiftly apprehended. The man, identified as Ceferino Ascencion Ramos of Santa Ana, has been charged with several felonies, including hit-and-run resulting in permanent and severe injury, failing to halt at a hit-and-run accident causing injury, and driving under the influence of alcohol leading to injury.
Furthermore, he faces enhancements to his sentencing for leaving a victim in a coma or paralyzed and inflicting great bodily harm.
Upon investigation, prosecutors reported that Ramos had driven to a liquor store in Anaheim to purchase more beer. He was purportedly under the influence, with a blood-alcohol content level measuring an eye-watering .22. Following these startling revelations, Ramos was arraigned pending his plea, which has been scheduled for July 25 at the West Justice Center in Westminster.
Two victims comatose due to brain injuries, reveals Orange County District Attorney
A damning criminal complaint filed by the District Attorney’s office noted that two victims were left in a comatose state due to severe brain injuries, one of which was 5-year-old Jacob who was declared brain dead.
Community rallies to support victim family
In light of this catastrophic incident, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family following the accident. The incident calls attention to the dangers of drinking and driving, and the severe consequences and carnage left in the wake of such recklessness.
