San Mateo Police Arrest Driver in Injury Crash on El Camino Real (VIDEO)

A 19-year-old Belmont man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly fled the scene of an injury crash on El Camino Real in San Mateo, police said Wednesday.

The crash was reported at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday on El Camino Real at 20th Avenue, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

Early witnesses reported seeing two male subjects fleeing the scene. One of the subjects was quickly detained, and San Mateo police initiated a perimeter and searched for the second suspect with assistance from the Belmont Police Department.

A Rapid Notify message was sent to the surrounding area to advise residents to be on the lookout for the outstanding (and reportedly injured) subject, and to be mindful of traffic issues related to the collision. The second suspect was detained shortly thereafter.

The collision initially appears to have started when the suspect vehicle ran a red light northbound and struck a westbound vehicle broadside in the intersection, causing other vehicles to become involved, Norris said.

One of the vehicles was turned onto its side as a result of the collision. Drug and/or alcohol influence is being investigated as a factor in this collision.

San Mateo police arrested the driver of the suspect vehicle, 19-year-old Daniel Evenbach of Belmont. He was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI and Hit and Run due to the injuries caused by the collision. Police are reviewing the investigation for additional charges.  

Six vehicles and three injured parties, in addition to the two fleeing subjects from the suspect vehicle, were involved in this collision.

There were serious injuries involved in the collision that required hospitalization – the exact extent of the serious injuries has not yet been determined.

SMPD would like to remind the public of the following:

• Please remember to wear your seatbelt at all times while operating or riding in a motor vehicle. 

• Parents of Teens should talk to their children about the potential dangers of alcohol and drug use, especially when motor vehicles are involved.

• Community members witnessing evolving incidents are encouraged to call SMPD immediately to report anyinformation that may help responding officers contain the incident and any suspects, and render it “safe.”

Important Phone Numbers:

Emergency or Ongoing Incident - 911

SMPD Dispatch for non-emergency or mobile phone – 650-522-7700