Boyle Heights restaurant diner loses both legs in SUV crash

An 81-year-old woman, Cristina Vargas, underwent bilateral leg amputations following a violent vehicle collision in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The incident occurred on July 7 at approximately 3:30 p.m. while Vargas was dining at an outdoor table at Los Cinco Puntos.

According to investigators and surveillance footage, an SUV veered onto the sidewalk and slammed into the outdoor dining area. Vargas was pinned beneath the vehicle during the impact. Her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, and a male friend were also at the table; Gabriela sustained a head injury and a knee laceration, though both she and the friend have since recovered.

Police determined the driver was allegedly impaired at the time of the crash. The suspect has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges.