Menifee Felon Accused Of Running Down 6-Year-Old Boy, Arraignment Set

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A convicted felon from Menifee who is accused of hitting a young boy with his truck, then leaving the scene as the child lay in the street critically injured, has been charged and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Louie Ahmad Qutami, 29, is charged with one count of hit-and-run causing death or injury, and six sentencing enhancements, including committing the alleged felony while being on parole.

The alleged hit-and-run was reported at 6:36 p.m. Feb. 14 near the intersection of W. 3rd Street and South C Street in Perris. The 6-year-old boy was crossing the street with his family when a dark-colored full-size truck plowed into him.

The child was sent to a local hospital in critical condition; a health update was unavailable.

Witnesses told deputies the truck driver crashed into a parked vehicle, tried to flee the wreck, and then hit the juvenile during his escape.

During the crash investigation, deputies determined the truck was a 2023 Ram 1500 and Qutami was the driver, according to the sheriff's department.

On Friday, March 1, deputies received information about Qutami's whereabouts and arrested him in the 24000 block of Hospitality Place in Murrieta.

Court records show Qutami has felony convictions in Riverside County, including assault with a weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, as well as burglary. He also has a long history of misdemeanor convictions, including battery, petty theft, and drug possession.

Anyone with additional information about the alleged hit-and-run is asked to call Deputy Roberto Torres or Deputy Victor Guzman at the Perris Sheriff’s Station: 951-210-1000.