Student Rushing to Bus Hit by Car, Badly Hurt

VENTURA — A Buena High School freshman rushing to catch his school bus Monday was struck by a car and critically injured.

Billie Brooks, 14, ran across Telephone Road about 7:20 a.m. to get on the bus, which was stopped on Petit Avenue. Brooks had a red light and cars were coming. But he was late, so he darted out into the street, police said.

Lt. Quinn Fenwick said police are still investigating, but it appears the driver was not at fault, because he had the green light and was not speeding.

The force of the accident threw Brooks into the street, where he wasn’t breathing and was unconscious when emergency personnel arrived. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he remains unconscious and suffering from severe head injuries and bleeding in his abdomen. He underwent surgery throughout the day Monday, and hospital officials said his condition had not improved by Monday night.