Alcohol is suspected as a factor in an early-morning crash in Atascadero that injured five people, three of them young children, who are now in protective custody, according to Atascadero police.
Officers say they received a 911 call at about 1:15 a.m. Monday reporting the crash involving the flipped vehicle on the 900 block of West Front Street.
Police say it appears the driver exited Highway 101 at a "high rate of speed" and the vehicle went over the sidewalk where it crashed into the Jack in the Box sign and landed on its side.
The vehicle involved in the early-morning crash landed on its side after crashing into a sign, police said. (Photo: Atascadero Police Department)
The driver and four passengers, which included the three children, were treated for various injuries at local hospitals. None are considered to be life-threatening.
Investigators say the initial investigation led to the decision to place the children into protective custody. They say it is likely that felony charges will be requested against the driver once the investigation into the crash is complete.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or the moments after it is asked to call Atascadero Police Department’s traffic division at (805) 470-3212.
The name of the driver has not been released.
