10 people were injured after a suspected DUI driver, in a U-Haul truck, driving the wrong-way, struck vehicles and a crowd of pedestrians in downtown Los Angeles early Sunday, November 1st. The car crash incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. at the intersection of Spring Street and Seventh Street. The driver was identified as Michael Maurice Wilson, 40.
According to authorities, Wilson was traveling east on West Seventh Street (a one-way street with westbound lanes) approaching Spring when he sideswiped a parked car. Wilson did not stop and continue east until he struck a motorcycle and a car turning from Spring to Seventh. After the vehicle collision, the U-Haul jumped the curb, striking a group of pedestrians. Wilson came to a stop after hitting a power pole.
Two people on the motorcycle, four people in the car (an Uber driver with three passengers), and four pedestrians all suffered injuries. Seven of the injured victims were treated at the scene. One of the motorcycle occupants and two pedestrians were transported to LAC+USC Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.
According to witnesses, about 80 people celebrating Halloween were on the sidewalk where the U-Haul crashed. Wilson was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine. Authorities did not know if Wilson was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crash.
