Public Safety: Pedestrian critical after hit in crosswalk

A 48-year-old homeless man was in critical condition after being hit by a car while trying to cross South Coast Highway Wednesday night, Laguna Beach police said.

The man was in a crosswalk when he was struck by a Chevrolet Trailblazer at 10:29 p.m. at the intersection of Mountain Street and South Coast Highway, Sgt. Louise Callus wrote in an email.

The pedestrian was taken to Mission Hospital Mission Viejo with major head trauma, according to police. A 21-year-old Laguna Beach man, who was driving the Trailblazer, was not cited or arrested and police said he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Police closed the intersection for two hours following the collision. The incident is under investigation.

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Woman arrested after driving into Montage

A 51-year-old Orange woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI and resisting arrest after police said she drove a car into the lobby of the Montage Laguna Beach, Sgt. Louise Callus wrote in an email.

Police said Leilani Juanita Hughes drove into the hotel at 30801 S. Coast Hwy., at 4:49 a.m. Wednesday, Callus said. Officers accompanied Hughes to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, where she was medically cleared for booking.

While at the hospital Hughes allegedly tried to flee, but officers chased her down, Callus said.

Police did not release additional details such as whether any Montage staff were injured or damage to the resort.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce