An 18-year-old man is in custody after allegedly striking four pedestrians while driving under the influence Sunday, according to Santa Rosa Police Department. 

Around 1:48 a.m. officers responded to the area of Fourth St. and Brookwood Ave. to reports that a Ford Explorer had just hit several pedestrians.

Witnesses told police the Ford fled southbound on Brookwood and was missing a back tire.

The car reportedly stopped near the intersection at Brookwood and Second St. and the driver took off running.

Officers and paramedics arrived on scene, and the four injured pedestrians were treated immediately, police said.

Police set up a perimeter around the Ford Explorer and used a K-9 officer to help search for the suspected driver.

With the help of the police dog, he was found a short time later hiding in the bushes on Second St. 

He allegedly told police he was the driver and that no one else was in the car with him.

Police identified him at 18-year-old Jose Gil Ortiz-Ortiz of Graton. 

Officers believe Ortiz lost control of the car and drove onto the sidewalk of Brookwood Ave., striking four people standing on the corner outside a restaurant.

All four have serious injuries, but are expected to survive.

Ortiz was also taken to the hospital as a precaution, police said.

Police found he had been drinking and driving at the time of the collision.

He was arrested for felony DUI and felony hit-and-run.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Jeff Adams of the Santa Rosa Police Department at (707) 543-3636. Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Summer Black at (707) 543-4108.

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