USC student recovering in hospital after hit-and-run crash

A USC student is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car near campus Wednesday night.

Junior Gabe Bunny said the crash fractured a hip and two vertebrae, dislocated a knee, and made large cuts to his head that required staples, among other injuries. He can’t walk right now.

“I’m doing pretty well for the misery I went through,” Bunny said. “My family, friends, and coworkers are all coming by.”

The computer engineering and computer science student said he was walking to the Downey Way entrance, but can’t recall details of the crash. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the hit-and-run occurred around 10:15 p.m.

“I honestly don't remember a thing besides starting to cross the street,” Bunny said.

In a video published by the Los Angeles Police Department, a sedan appears to blow through a red light while speeding down Vermont Avenue, slams into Bunny, sends him flying across the intersection, then narrowly avoids hitting three more people.

The LAPD said it was searching for a red sedan last seen driving south on Vermont Avenue. As of Friday evening, the department had not made an arrest in the case.

Bunny said he’s unsure when he’ll be discharged from the hospital — but that he’s very much alive, contrary to a Reddit thread that suggested the crash was fatal.

Wednesday, Oct. 5: This story was updated to include a video of the crash published by the LAPD.

Tomo Chien can be reached at [email protected].