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Teen driver who allegedly ran down boy on bike is charged as an adult

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A 17-year-old driver accused of intentionally running over a boy and dragging him nearly 10 feet as residents watched in horror will be tried as an adult on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, Sacramento County prosecutors said.

Isabelle Salgado did not enter a plea when she was arraigned Tuesday on the felony charge at the Juvenile Courthouse in Sacramento County, according to the district attorney’s office.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 1.

The boy, about 10 years old, was bicycling with his brother Sunday afternoon on Yellowstone Lane in Arden-Arcade when a water bottle, which he may have tossed, reportedly hit Salgado’s SUV, authorities said.

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She then allegedly made a U-turn and sped up, chasing the boy on his bicycle, police said. Witnesses told authorities the boy yelled, “Stop, stop, stop” as he pedaled into a residential yard.

Salgado was driving at least 10 to 15 mph as the chase stretched a quarter of a city block, said Chad Hertzell, a CHP spokesman.

“The SUV hit him, and he rolled underneath the car,” Hertzell said. “We all pretty much agree that the hill in the yard prevented the car from digging into his body.”

The SUV then hit a tree, leaving a dent and ripping away some bark. The boy was under the SUV’s engine compartment. First responders worked fast, using two jacks to hoist the vehicle and safely remove the boy, officials said.

He complained of internal pain, and the only visible marks on his body were from the SUV’s tires, officials said. He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center.

Hertzell said Salgado did not appear remorseful about the incident, which occurred with her 8-year-old sister in the front seat.

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“She didn’t give any emotional response. She didn’t say anything,” said Hertzell, who was at the scene. “This is a pretty serious felony.”

Authorities at the scene received at least five witness statements from neighbors, who said they were shocked by the incident.

“They could hear the engine accelerate as it went forward,” Hertzell said.

As of Tuesday, the investigation was ongoing, and officials were unsure if the boy was still in the hospital.

alicia.banks@latimes.com

Twitter: @AliciaDotBanks|

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