A driver in California has been arrested after he backed his truck into three people moments before a Christmas parade was set to begin Thursday night.
A Ford F-150 pickup truck hit the pedestrians around 5:30 p.m. along the parade route in downtown Bakersfield, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
“BPD is conducting an investigation at H St and 21st St which is affecting the original parade route. The Parade Marshall is working to see if rerouting the parade is an option,” the department posted on X.
Police arrested a 72-year-old man suspected of driving the white Ford truck, according to Bakersfield Now.
The name of the suspect has yet to be released.
Law enforcement said alcohol is being investigated as a factor, the outlet added.
The three men — ages 21, 42 and 77 — were rushed to a local hospital and are listed in stable condition.
The event went on as scheduled after officials rerouted the parade. SnapChatAn initial investigation showed that the suspect had entered the truck and backed up through an alley at a high rate of speed before hitting the three men, the outlet reported.
The truck backed into a crowd of partygoers waiting for the parade’s 6 p.m. start time, Bakersfield Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales revealed on Instagram.
The scene remains under investigation.
The three people were rushed to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. SnapChat
The driver of the pickup truck has been arrested, according to police. KGETOfficials said they would provide information on the driver as the investigation continued.
Parade officials continued with the Christmas event as they pushed back its start time on an alternate route.
Bakersfield is about 120 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
