A Vancouver, Washington man has been arrested after allegedly running over two teenagers on May 12 in the Taco Bell parking lot, authorities say.
The Incident
Charles Thorsen told Taco Bell staff he planned to run over the teens, who were reportedly harassing people and causing chaos in the parking lot. “I’m serious,” he allegedly said before acting on his threat.
Thorsen allegedly struck the teens while they were riding an e-bike with his Kia, throwing both off the bike. One teen suffered a compound leg fracture and was taken to the hospital.
Police Investigation
Authorities determined that Thorsen intentionally hit the bike, saying he wanted to “knock some sense into the children.” He was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault.
One of the teen victims is also facing charges for harassment and malicious mischief for actions in the parking lot, including preventing vehicles from leaving.
Community Response
Nearby business manager Maddison Barnhart said the teens “were always in the middle of the road doing wheelies” and causing trouble. Authorities also noted that a welfare check at the teen’s home days later led to an incident in which his mother allegedly sprayed an officer with a hose and was charged with third-degree assault.
