MENIFEE — An unlicensed teenage driver attempting to join a student walkout struck a motorcycle Friday morning, Jan. 6, near the intersection of Briggs Road and Highway 74, authorities said.
The Menifee Police Department responded at approximately 9:29 a.m. and located an off-road motorcycle operated by an 18-year-old Menifee resident. The rider reported injuries of unknown severity related to the collision and was not transported to a hospital.
Officers also contacted the driver of the second vehicle, a Nissan passenger car operated by a 15-year-old juvenile. Police said the driver was unlicensed and not injured. Juvenile passengers in the vehicle were also contacted and were not injured.
At the time of the crash, about 200 Heritage High School students were participating in a First Amendment activity protesting ICE immigration enforcement, walking northbound on Briggs Road. Investigators said the juvenile driver attempted a U-turn to find parking and join the walkout when the motorcycle was unintentionally struck.
The Nissan traveled a short distance after the collision before parking in a nearby lot, where the driver remained at the scene and waited for officers.
Menifee police said their Traffic Unit has assumed the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle rider was not associated with the walkout and that drugs or alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors.
Authorities were aware of the planned demonstration and had coordinated with the school district to help ensure student safety.
Police also acknowledged a video circulating on social media. Witnesses were interviewed, and the footage has been provided to investigators as part of the ongoing case.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Clay with the Menifee Police Department Traffic Unit at (951) 723-1566 or call the Traffic Unit at (951) 723-1500.
