Sonora, CA…From the Sonora Police Dept….”Last night about 10:45 p.m., we received multiple reports of a disturbance involving a vehicle and several people near the 100 block of Lyons Street. Officers responded and ultimately arrested 25-year-old Francisco Rico of Sonora and a 16-year-old male Tuolumne resident for felony battery.

The investigation revealed that a white 2001 Mustang convertible being driven recklessly by an 18-year-old female from Tuolumne City, nearly struck a 53-year-old pedestrian walking in the area. When the pedestrian yelled at the passing vehicle, the Mustang turned around, and Rico along with the 16-year-old male exited the vehicle and assaulted the pedestrian. The vehicle left only to return to the area and almost struck the pedestrian a second time, and again the two male passengers got out and assaulted the pedestrian. The vehicle left the area, returned a third time at which point the pedestrian threw a branch at the vehicle, called 9-1-1 and hid until Police arrived.

The Mustang was located by officers a short distance away. The 18-year-old female driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and is facing charges for DUI and attempted assault with a vehicle. Both Rico and the 16-year-old male suspect were arrested for felony battery.

The pedestrian received multiple injuries to his face and head and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Thankfully his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.