Two boys injured in Sassarini crosswalk collision

Two teenage pedestrians were injured Saturday afternoon when they were struck in a lit crosswalk by a vehicle driven by a 92-year-old man.

Levon Arkelian of Sonoma was driving his 2003 Toyota Corolla southbound on Fifth Street West, police said, and didn’t see two 14-year-old boys crossing eastbound in the Sassarini School crosswalk at Curtin Lane.

One boy was transported by ambulance to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa and with a potential skull fracture. The other boy was transported to Sonoma Valley Hospital with abrasions and was treated and released. 



Speed and alcohol are not considered factors in the collision, according to Sgt. Spencer Crum.

The speed limit in the area is 25 mph.

The crosswalk has flashing lights embedded in the roadway and sidewalk sign that flash when activated by a pedestrians using the crosswalk.

Witnesses and the boys stated all lights were activated at the time they crossed. 



The driver was cited for failing to yield for pedestrians in a crosswalk and has been referred to DMV for a priority reexamination of his driver’s license.