Domestic violence road rage incident seriously injures innocent bystander

VISTA, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI)--A 21-year-old man is recovering in the hospital after being struck during a violent road rage crash that played out in a Vista neighborhood and was caught on video, authorities said.

The incident happened Aug. 24 at the intersection of Calle Jules and Via Felicidad, where investigators say a woman driving a Toyota Sequoia and a man in a Jeep Cherokee began ramming into each other and several parked cars.

Leo Peralta said he was at his uncle’s house nearby when he heard the initial crash. As he stepped into the street to call 9-1-1, he was hit by the Sequoia.

“I look to the right and I see the cars coming … I start running the other way,” Peralta said from his hospital bed at Palomar Medical Center. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t fast enough and she caught me and ran me over.”

Peralta suffered multiple broken bones, including his hip, femur and tibia. He said he remains bedridden and in constant pain.

“I still cannot go to the bathroom by myself,” he said. “Imagine staying still in the same position all the time — it’s tiring.”

After striking Peralta, the Sequoia crashed head-on into a parked vehicle. Investigators said the woman then climbed into the Jeep Cherokee, and both suspects drove off together.

The driver of the Sequoia, identified as 41-year-old Lindsey Bigbey, has been charged with hit-and-run and assault with a deadly weapon. She pleaded not guilty and is being held on $500,000 bail.

The Jeep’s driver, 42-year-old Nathan Robson, also faces charges. He was arrested with Bigbey on Aug. 27 on East Mission Bay Drive and has since been released on bond.

Peralta, who does not have health insurance, said he is unsure how he will pay for months of rehabilitation. His family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses.

“Maximum amount that the law can give them for me will be more than appreciated,” Peralta said. “I don’t think they should be outside in society right now.”