CULVER CITY, California — Brandon Mendez was just trying to get out of the way.
The 19-year-old saw a car blowing through red lights that June evening and stepped aside. The driver swerved anyway — and hit him at 80 miles per hour.
“I was hit, and I was launched pretty far,” Mendez said.
The impact sent him flying 20 feet. He suffered severe internal bleeding, spinal and cerebral fractures, a torn aorta, and lost his spleen. He now has a stent to help his recovery.
“It’s crazy how things can change in the blink of an eye,” he said.
How the rampage began
On June 16, 45-year-old Juan Luis Estrada of Perris allegedly carjacked a white Toyota Camry at knifepoint in downtown Los Angeles.
What followed was a trail of violence through Culver City.
Estrada allegedly struck four pedestrians near Centinela Avenue and Washington Boulevard, then fled. A second hit-and-run followed minutes later on Sepulveda Boulevard.
When officers located him and tried to pull him over, he refused to stop.
Police say he drove at extreme speeds, ran red lights, crossed into oncoming traffic, and repeatedly steered directly toward people on or near the road. Investigators believe it was intentional.
“The suspect’s actions created a clear and immediate danger to community members,” police said.
It ended at a McDonald’s
The rampage finally stopped when Estrada allegedly drove head-on into a vehicle waiting in a McDonald’s drive-thru lane on Washington Boulevard.
He tried to run on foot. Officers caught him within moments.
Surveillance footage captured every strike, including the moment Mendez was hit.
Estrada is now charged with attempted murder, carjacking, felony evading, battery, and resisting arrest. Detectives say additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Mendez is recovering — but his life changed in a single second.
What are your thoughts on this? Share your reaction in the comments.