El Cajon, California (October 24, 2025) — A 12-year-old boy suffered severe head injuries Wednesday night after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in El Cajon. Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the crash.
Incident Details: Officers with the El Cajon Police Department responded around 8 p.m. to the 300 block of Ballantyne Street near East Park Avenue after receiving reports of a juvenile pedestrian found injured in the roadway. Investigators determined the boy had been walking north from El Cajon City Park with a group of other children when he crossed Ballantyne mid-block and was struck by a northbound vehicle.
The child sustained significant head trauma and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. Police said he has since shown signs of improvement. Witnesses initially described the suspect vehicle as a white or silver SUV with front-end damage before authorities could identify the driver.
Investigation: Detectives from the El Cajon Police Department’s Traffic Division quickly gathered evidence from the scene, including vehicle debris and surveillance footage. Investigators used data from nearby license plate reader cameras to trace the vehicle to a BMW X5 parked at a business in Lakeside. The driver, 35-year-old Dani Korkis, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing injury.
The arrest followed less than 24 hours after the crash. Police say the BMW had visible front-end damage consistent with the impact, and forensic testing is underway to confirm the connection. ECPD emphasized the importance of witness cooperation and modern investigative tools in solving hit-and-run cases quickly.
Fleeing the scene of an injury collision constitutes a felony offense in California, carrying significant criminal penalties and potential civil liability. Authorities continue to investigate whether speed or distraction also contributed to the crash.
Legal Considerations: The family of the injured 12-year-old may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim or pedestrian accident case against the at-fault driver. Such a claim could seek compensation for medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Given the driver’s arrest for hit-and-run, punitive damages may also be recoverable to hold the defendant accountable for reckless disregard of human life. California law requires motorists to maintain a safe lookout and take reasonable steps to avoid collisions.
My thoughts are with the young boy and his family as he continues to recover from this traumatic event.
Sources: NBC San Diego | NBC San Diego