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Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, of Diamond Bar was arrested Wednesday. And accused of attempted murder of a peace officer(s) in a California crash. Authorities allege the driver intentionally slammed into a group of law-enforcement recruits who were doing a training run in Whittier.

The events happened Wednesday morning. The California crash area was near the intersection of Mills Avenue and Trumball Street in South Whittier. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva detailed how the class of about 75 recruits were involved in a training exercise running when the driver crashed into the group.

The recruits are from several different police departments including the Bell, UCLA, Glendale, Pasadena, and El Segundo. There were also several sheriff's department recruits.

25 of the runners were injured. The injuries were so severe that 5 are in critical condition with injuries ranging from head trauma to loss of limbs. And one of the recruits is currently on a ventilator. 

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the five injured patients were sent to different local hospitals. “This includes UCI Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, LAC+USC Medical Center, and PIH Health Whittier Hospital.”

The rest of those injured are being treated for “minor to moderate" injuries.

California crash under investigation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva initially termed the crash an “accident.” But physical evidence, witnesses, and video evidence all indicate that the suspect may have intentionally slammed into the group of police recruits.  

 According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, there are indications that Gutierrez was a wrong-way driver who may have sped up shortly before the collision.

Video shows the scene after SUV slams into law enforcement recruits.

Surveillance video was recording from backyard cameras. And it shows the group running in tight formation along the side of the road. They were escorted by two cruisers at the back of the columns.

The Honda SUV driven by the suspect appears in the footage driving illegally on the left side of the road. And the vehicle does not slow down or swerve as it runs head-on into the jogging group.

"Some recruits are saying they heard the car accelerating, they estimate around 30 to 40 miles per hour," Villanueva said. "You can see how little reaction time that allows someone."

There seemed to be no reason for the driver’s behavior. And after hitting many recruits the vehicle hit a light pole and knocked it over.

 LAPD Capt. Pat MacDonald, who heads up the department's training bureau said that the light pole may have saved lives.  "There was a light pole on the east side of the street and the one thing that was relayed to me was, 'Thank God for that light pole' because the vehicle ultimately hit it and stopped as opposed to possibly hitting more recruits.

The driver is said to have suffered minor injuries. He was given a field sobriety test shortly after the crash. And "blew a 0.0." meaning he had not had any alcohol. Gutierrez was not tested for drugs.

Villanueva said the official cause of the incident is pending until the investigation closes. 

The California Highway Patrol is investigating traffic violations. And additional charges are expected Friday when the case goes to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office on Friday.

Gutierrez is currently being held on a $2 million bail.