Man Charged in Hit-and-Run That Critically Injured Boy

A Dana Point man with a history of traffic violations was charged Wednesday with hit-and-run driving and other felony counts stemming from a crash that critically injured a 7-year-old boy.

Authorities say that John Eric Phelps, 30, was fleeing a police officer who tried to stop him for speeding on Monday when he ran several lights and then crashed into a car driven by Cheryl McGee of Irvine, causing serious head injuries to her son, Trent, 7.

Trent McGee remained in critical condition Wednesday at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, hospital officials said.

Phelps, who was driving a Mercedes that had been reported stolen, allegedly fled the scene of the crash but was captured in Irvine during a door-to-door search, authorities said.

Phelps appeared in Harbor Municipal Court on Wednesday, but his arraignment was postponed until July 22.

He is charged with stealing a car, evading an officer, causing serious injuries to Trent McGee and hit-and-run driving. He also is charged with arson for allegedly torching a second stolen vehicle, said Deputy Dist. Attorney Chris Kralick.

Phelps’ attorney, Deputy Public Defender James Spellman, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Court records and Department of Motor Vehicle records show Phelps has been cited at least six times for driving with a suspended license, and has been in at least two car crashes. In one of those collisions, he was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Phelps also has a felony drug conviction in Hawaii, a vandalism conviction in Laguna Beach and minor traffic convictions.