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CULVER CITY, Calif. () — A 19-year-old pedestrian who was struck and nearly killed by a driver fleeing police in Culver City is speaking exclusively with Eyewitness News about the crash and his recovery.
Brandon Mendez said he was on a 10-minute lunch break from his job at Big 5 Sporting Goods when he saw a car running red lights near Braddock Drive and Sepulveda Boulevard on June 16.
“It’s crazy how things can change in the blink of an eye,” Mendez said.
Mendez was one of eight pedestrians hit as the driver went on what authorities described as a violent rampage through Los Angeles County after stealing a car at knifepoint.
“I see this car running red lights, and I think nothing of it. I see it, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m just going to move out the way.’ I move out the way. He swerves into me, and still hits me,” Mendez recalled.
Surveillance video captured the moments when police say 45-year-old Juan Luis Estrada of Perris appeared to intentionally hit Mendez as he tried to get out of the way.
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“I was hit, and I was launched pretty far,” Mendez said. “They caught him moving at 80 mph.”
Mendez woke up in the hospital with severe injuries.
“It was dark, and I’m like, ‘I’m not home.’ And I don’t remember what happened, and I just see a bunch of people around me. They’re like, ‘Hey! You got hit by a car,'” Mendez said.
Mendez suffered severe internal bleeding, spinal and cerebral fractures, a chipped tooth and had his spleen removed. He spent about a week in the hospital and faces a monthslong recovery.
“I still have limitations on certain things, like I can’t lift more than 25 pounds right now,” he said.
Despite the crash, Mendez said he does not hold a grudge against the driver.
“I don’t really hold grudges towards people, you know… life goes on. I hope you’re in a better place mentally, man,” Mendez said.
Mendez has since returned to work. A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for his hospital bills.
Estrada is facing multiple charges, including carjacking, evading police and multiple counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to return to court Aug. 13 for a competency hearing.
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