In the parking lot of The Market at Spring Creek, a shopping mall in Colorado Springs, Colorado, five young people suffered severe injuries after a stunt involving an SUV went wrong. The event took place late on Saturday night, December 16 shortly after 10:15 pm.
Authorities identified the driver as Marisol Wentling. Reports indicate that she was performing donuts in the parking lot while passengers hung out of the vehicle’s windows and sunroof. During this dangerous maneuver, the SUV reversed at a high speed, took a sharp turn, and flipped over. This led to two of the passengers on the right side being slammed to the ground, seemingly crushed by the SUV, while the other three were ejected from the vehicle.
Bystanders at the scene rushed to the aid of those trapped, attempting to maneuver the overturned vehicle. A video captured by an onlooker showed the critical moments of the incident, including the efforts to rescue the trapped passengers.
The injured were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Wentling, 19, who did not sustain dangerous injuries in the incident, was arrested on charges of reckless driving and vehicle assault and was later released on bond.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is currently investigating the incident. They have appealed to the public for any additional information about the event.
The incident points to a growing trend of street takeovers and reckless driving activities. In the US, multiple street takeovers involved up to 1,500 cars from various states, causing chaos in at least four cities. These events often involve dangerous driving stunts and have led to injuries and extensive property damage.
Locals and business owners have expressed concern over the frequency of such reckless driving incidents. Francis Barclay, a vendor in the parking lot where the Colorado Springs incident occurred, noted the increasing regularity of dangerous driving behaviors in the area. The community is now calling for more robust surveillance and police response to these activities.
The Colorado Springs Police Department has encouraged community members and business owners to report any instances of reckless driving. They assure that officers will respond to the best of their ability and hold people accountable for such actions.
