On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m., Fullerton Police Dispatch received a call reporting a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision near S. Harbor Blvd and W. Orangethorpe Ave.
When cops arrived, they determined that the victim, a 31-year-old male riding a bicycle, had been intentionally struck by a vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment but has already been released.
The suspect car, described as a red Dodge Challenger, departed the site before police arrived. A video of the incident has been widely circulated on social media and news websites.
Fullerton Police Detectives began investigating the incident, eventually identifying both the culprit and the suspicious vehicle.
On July 30, 2025, officers detained Christian Diaz, 22, of West Covina. He was placed into the Fullerton City Jail for attempted murder.
Anyone with information about this event can call Fullerton Police Detective N. Valdes at (714) 738-6754 or by email at [email protected].
Those who prefer to give information anonymously should contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or go to their website, occrimestoppers.org.
Christian Diaz, accused of intentionally hitting a bicyclist with a vehicle, is charged with attempted murder under California Penal Code Section 664/187(a). Here’s a plain-text summary of the punishments he may face:
Attempted Murder Penalties in California
First-Degree Attempted Murder
- Definition: The act was willful, deliberate, and premeditated.
- Penalty: Life in state prison with the possibility of parole.
- If the victim is a protected person (e.g., police officer, firefighter), the minimum sentence is 15 years to life.
Second-Degree Attempted Murder
- Definition: The act involved intent to kill but was not premeditated.
- Penalty: 5, 7, or 9 years in state prison.
Additional Enhancements
Use of a firearm:
- 10 years for using a gun
- 20 years for firing it
- 25 years to life if it caused great bodily injury
- Gang involvement: Adds 15 years to life, served consecutively
- Three-strikes law: Attempted murder counts as a strike. A second strike doubles the sentence; a third strike can lead to 25 years to life
- Fines and restitution: Up to $10,000 in fines and mandatory victim restitution
- Loss of gun rights: Lifetime ban
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizens convicted of attempted murder face deportation
