Hauling Butt

Imperial Beach sheriff deputies are investigating a violent three-car accident that sent two drivers to the hospital.

At 9:10 a.m., Wednesday, June 17, at the intersection of 13th Street and Holly Avenue, a red Nissan Pathfinder was making a left turn to go north on 13th Street when it was hit broadside by an older white Buick LaSabre headed north on 13th Street. The Pathfinder was knocked onto its left side and collided with a dark gray Toyota that was behind it.

The female driver of the Toyota and the elderly female driver of the LaSabre were rushed by ambulance to the hospital. The female driver of the Pathfinder refused medical attention and said she was cited for failure to yield. "A lady came out of nowhere and hit me," she cried to neighbors who came to her aide.

Fifteen-year-old eyewitness Anthony L. backed up her claim. He had been outside across the street and saw the Pathfinder turning. "There were no other cars, and in three steps — bam! &emdash; the white car came out of nowhere."

Anthony's Mom, comforting her son, said of the white car, "She was hauling butt. People are always speeding through; they need a four-way stop sign here."