Inset: Hudson O’Loughlin (GoFundMe). Background: The area along Pacific Beach Drive in San Diego, Calif., where Hudson O’Loughlin was allegedly run over multiple times and killed by a driver (KFMB/YouTube).
A tragic incident unfolded in California when a woman fatally struck a 6-year-old boy riding his bicycle on the sidewalk, allegedly running over him a second time after pausing briefly before accelerating again. Police have indicated that charges will be filed against the driver on Tuesday, following the victim’s family initiating a petition for justice, according to Law&Crime.
The young victim, Hudson O’Loughlin, was enjoying a bike ride in San Diego, crossing an alley on Pacific Beach Drive near Ingraham Street around 3:45 p.m. on January 17. It was then that 32-year-old Tiffany Sanchez allegedly collided with him, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune, referencing a police statement released post-incident.
Police claim Sanchez struck Hudson, who was with his family, causing him to fall from his bike. Subsequently, she halted her SUV momentarily before accelerating over him again.
Eyewitness David Morrow, who was driving behind Sanchez, recounted the event to local CBS station KFMB, saying, “Right after she hit the kid, she ran over him twice,” adding that both wheels of the SUV went over the child. Morrow managed to note her license plate number before she drove away.
Sanchez was taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in death. A representative from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Law&Crime on Monday that formal charges have been filed, with Sanchez’s arraignment set for Tuesday.
“Ms. Sanchez posted bail and is scheduled to appear in court,” the spokesperson stated. “The charges will be disclosed [Tuesday].”
Hudson’s family members created a petition last week titled “Urge the County District Attorney: We Need Justice for Hudson,” in which they demanded that charges be filed after Sanchez was initially not charged right away.
“Hudson O’Loughlin was biking with his family on the sidewalk in Pacific Beach when he was hit and killed by a violent driver, who fled the scene,” the petition says. “The driver was later arrested thanks to the vigilance of bystanders. We need your help to make sure the District Attorney pursues charges that reflect the horrific nature of the crime.”
Hudson’s aunt, Nicole O’Loughlin, took to Facebook on Friday and urged “everyone to stand with my family and demand justice” for what allegedly happened.
“This was not an accident,” O’Loughlin said. “After an initial collision that threw Hudson from his bike, the driver chose to accelerate instead of stopping to help, fatally running him over and then fleeing the scene. The facts show a clear disregard for human life.”
The aunt added, “Hudson, his family, and the San Diego community deserve accountability. I am urging the District Attorney to charge the driver with a felony and pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. Anything less would be an injustice.”
A GoFundMe that was created for the family describes Hudson as a “vibrant” and “deeply loved” child who “loved all things science, and his energy was contagious,” according to the description.
“Hudson was a bright, curious young boy with his whole life ahead of him,” the boy’s uncle said. “His death has shaken all of us.”
Hudson’s mother, Juliana Kapovich, has called for “safer streets for cyclists” on Facebook, where she also memorialized him.
“I pray for awareness,” Kapovich said. “And I pray that people everywhere understand the impact their actions can have on the lives of others.”
