A 17-year-old driver in Sacramento County could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon after authorities say she used her SUV to run down a boy -- dragging him nearly 10 feet -- after a water bottle was thrown at her.

The CHP has not yet submitted its final report to the Sacramento County district attorney’s office, but the charge would be a felony. She was booked Sunday into Sacramento County Juvenile Hall.

A witness told investigators the teen admitted to chasing the boy with her SUV, officials said. But CHP spokesman Chad Hertzell said her father advised her not to speak with officials at the scene.

But at the scene, he said, the teen seemed “very non-remorseful.” He also said the driver’s 8-year-old sister was in the front seat during the incident.


“When we told her she was going to juvenile hall, we’re used to crying or an emotional response,” Hertzell said. “There was no emotional response. She looked as if she didn’t care, like she was just not sorry.”

Events unfolded about 2 p.m. Sunday, when a boy about 10 years old was bicycling with his brother on Yellowstone Lane in Arden-Arcade. For reasons still unknown, a water bottle reportedly hit the teen’s maroon-colored Mercedes SUV.

She then reportedly made a U-turn and sped up, chasing the boy on his bicycle. Witnesses told authorities the boy yelled, “Stop, stop, stop” as he pedaled into a residential yard.

The 17-year-old was driving at least 10 to 15 mph as the chase stretched a quarter of a city block, Hertzell said.


“The SUV hit him, and he rolled underneath the car,” Hertzell said. “We all pretty much agree that the hill in the yard prevented the car from digging into his body.”

The SUV then slammed into a tree, leaving a dent and ripping away some bark. The boy was under the SUV’s engine compartment. First responders worked fast, using two jacks to hoist the vehicle, safely removing the boy.

The boy, who had tire marks on his body, complained of internal pain and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center, officials said.

Hertzell said the boy and the 17-year-old did not know each other, but both live in the Arden-Arcade area.


Officials have yet to find the water bottle said to be at the center of the incident. It was unclear if the teen driver was still in custody Tuesday.

alicia.banks@latimes.com

Twitter: @AliciaDotBanks