Survivor of deadly East Oakland crash outraged after teen suspect released on house arrest

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- A man injured in a deadly crash in East Oakland last month says he is frustrated and angry after learning that the 17-year-old suspected of driving a vehicle into him and a crowd on a sidewalk has been released and placed on house arrest.

Durran Riley, who suffered multiple fractures throughout his body in the crash, spoke about his reaction after family members of one of the victims told him about the court's decision.

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"I'm mad as hell! Excuse me but you know, I'm ticked off," Riley said.

Riley said his injuries continue to affect nearly every aspect of his life.

"My body is so beat up right now, and I'm having problems getting out of my bed. I'm struggling with my rent, my bills, and everything else, and this guy is out, and he finna be back laughing and grinning with his parents like nothing ever happened," Riley said.

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Toya Dixon, whose father, James Robert Dixon, was among three people killed in the crash, said she disagrees with the decision to release the teen on an ankle monitor while the case proceeds.

"There definitely should be a punishment in place. Do I think he should be free on ankle monitor? Absolutely not. There's no reason why this kid can't be where he was while this trial goes on. Our father is not here, we cannot bring them back," Dixon said.

Attorney Steven Clark said the circumstances of the case are serious, but he was not surprised by the court's decision.

"I'm not surprised that this young man was released on house arrest. I think that would be consistent with what you'd see in other juvenile courts in California and across the country," Clark said.

Riley returned home from a medical rehabilitation clinic last Sunday and said he is still struggling to walk and relies on a wheelchair.

"I don't know what his intent was, but I know that when he was driving that car, he was driving it dangerously, and he was using it as a weapon that night," Riley said.

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Clark said the court cited several factors in its decision.

"The court indicated that the juvenile did well while he was in custody, that he has no significant prior history, and that there were no alcohol or drugs involved. I think that was a key factor," Clark said.

Clark said adults have also been released before trial in similar cases and noted that the teen's release does not represent the final outcome of the case. A conviction, he said, could significantly affect the ultimate result.

Riley said he plans to attend every future court hearing. He also said he is facing financial hardship because his injuries have left him unable to work.

People interested in supporting Riley's recovery can contribute through a GoFundMe campaign established on his behalf.