Salinas, CA – On the evening of Thursday, April 2, 2026, a street racing collision left four people hospitalized and two arrested, according to KSBW.
The Salinas Police Department reports that the accident took place around 9:30 PM at the intersection of South Main Street and West Romie Lane.
Authorities said a Ford Mustang was racing another vehicle when it ran a red light at approximately 70 miles per hour and struck a Toyota Corolla before crashing into a Toyota RAV4. The Corolla was carrying a mother and her 13-year-old son.
The mother was rendered unconscious with serious injuries, and her son was also hurt. Both occupants of the RAV4 sustained injuries as well. In total, four people were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while two others were treated at the scene and released.
Using surveillance footage, camera systems, and vehicle data, traffic unit investigators confirmed that the two vehicles had been racing at the time of the crash. Both drivers were subsequently arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail.
Alfredo Ruiz, 21, was booked on suspicion of felony illegal speed contest causing injury, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor driving without a license, with bail set at $60,000.
Anthony Azevedo, 41, was also arrested in connection with the crash. Both vehicles were seized as part of the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
