Nov. 23--A man suspected of vandalizing the center divider of an Orange County freeway suffered major injuries early Sunday after he was struck by a passing truck, officials said.
Juan Espinoza and another man were seen vandalizing the center divider of the southbound California 55 just south of Chapman Avenue in Santa Ana shortly after midnight, so officers were sent to investigate, according to the California Highway Patrol.
As CHP officers headed to the area, a gold-colored Toyota traveling south on the freeway struck Espinoza as he ran west across lanes, the CHP said. He was found by the arriving officers.
Espinoza, an Orange resident, suffered major injuries to his right leg and head, CHP officials said. He was taken to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. The CHP did not specify the nature of the alleged vandalism.
The driver, Maxwell Harris of Irvine, was not arrested, officials said.
