SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In an update to an earlier report, the driver who injured five children in a rollover accident on Saturday is now suspected of child cruelty in addition to intoxicated driving.
Eric Ortega, 28, was driving with five children between the ages of six and 10 in a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. Officials report that Ortega was the father of two of the children in the vehicle and the uncle of the other three.
The Sun reports at approximately 7:13 p.m. on May 2, Ortega drove his truck off the road and into a nearby field near Greenspot Road and Santa Ana Canyon Road. The truck rolled over and two of the children flew out of the car. The San Bernardino Fire Department stated that none of the children were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
Two of the children sustained critical injuries, and they were rushed to the hospital. The other three children were also severely injured in the crash. Officials report that all of the children were taken to the Loma Linda University Medical center for treatment.
Police officers arrested Ortega on suspicion that he was driving while intoxicated, and they later included suspected child cruelty charges. Ortega is currently in custody at the Highland jail on a $100,000 bail.