Teen arrested for Lake Forest e-bike hit-and-run, leaving 81-year-old substitute teacher critically injured
By Julie Sharp, Michele Gile
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ORANGE COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrested a 14-year-old for allegedly hitting an 81-year-old substitute teacher while riding his e-bike, then fleeing the Lake Forest crash site.
On Thursday, around 4 p.m., deputies were called to Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive, which borders El Toro High School, for a pedestrian struck by an e-bike. They found Ed Ashman with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition.
There’s an online fundraiser going for “Ed Ashman: Veteran, Teacher, Fighter,” with many students saying Ashman was a good man.
“A lot about him is very genuine, and like he cares for us, and he’s a good substitute,” student Catalina Speights said.
Neighbor John White said he knew it was just a matter of time before there was a bad accident “… because a lot of the e-bikers have been misusing, not following the laws of the road.”
According to the OCSD, the teen fled the scene on a bike, determined to be an off-road electric motorcycle. Witnesses provided information about the teen biker, and a search warrant was served at a nearby residence in the city of Lake Forest.
The 14-year-old was arrested and booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall for charges related to the incident.
The Saddleback Valley Unified School District put out a statement saying the incident is deeply upsetting. It also pointed to district e-bike guidelines, which include completing a safety course and permitting requirements.
Student Jessie Salas said everyone is talking about the incident. “They even had an announcement saying like ‘pray for him,’ and all that,” she said.
“He’s really got a good work ethic,” White said, adding he would joke with Ashman, “So you’re still going to school!”
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000.
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