Thousand Oaks, CA (April 19, 2023) — A 15-year-old boy was killed Tuesday afternoon after a stabbing suspect ran over a group of students waiting at a bus stop near Westlake High School. According to authorities, the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Austin Eis, began a crime spree about 13 miles away from the crash site where he stabbed an employee at a Walmart in Simi Valley. When the Simi Valley Police Department arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene. However, witnesses were able to describe his white Toyota Camry and identify the license plate number before he escaped.
The suspect then drove to his parents’ house in Camarillo where he got into an argument with them. The family summoned law enforcement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to help. Sometime after law enforcement was called, the suspect hopped into his vehicle again and drove to Thousand Oaks where he collided with a bus stop full of teenagers on Lakeview Canyon Road at around 2:40 PM. The vehicle struck a total of four children between the ages of 14 and 16. One of the victims, 15-year-old Wesley Welling, was killed. Of the three surviving victims, two have since been released, while another is still being treated.
After conducting witness interviews and examining evidence at the scene, police believe that the crash was intentional. The suspect was booked on seven felony counts, including resisting an executive officer, attempted robbery, attempted murder, murder, burglary, and two counts of exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner. No court date has been set and his bail is currently set at $5 million.
The community of Westlake High School has been devastated by this crash. On Tuesday, the family of Wesley Welling, the 15-year-old killed in the collision, set up a GoFundMe account to help with memorial services. So far, the fundraiser has reached around $130,000.
Sources: ABC7, Los Angeles Times, CBS
Our Attorneys Offer Their Condolences to the Victims of the Crash
At Peerali Law, we are devastated to hear about the life lost and the lives forever changed due to this intentional act. We hope that the authorities hold the suspect responsible for their actions to the fullest extent of the law. Any car accident in Thousand Oaks has the potential to permanently destroy someone’s life, but intentional collisions are even more horrifying. Our hearts go out to all of those who were affected by this tragedy and hope that the victims get the justice they deserve.
Peerali Law Is Here for You
Whether you were injured in a car accident in Thousand Oaks or had loved one injured or killed in this crash, please know that you aren’t alone. Our attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have about your legal rights in this difficult time. For a free case review, please call us at 818-812-5239. We will listen to your story and offer the best guidance that we can provide.
Kristopher earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he was a member of the Review of Law and Social Justice honors law journal and was awarded several scholastic honors.
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