CHP: RACING MAY HAVE CAUSED CRASH.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

PALMDALE - California Highway Patrol officers are interviewing witnesses to a crash that critically injured a 50-year-old Palmdale man to determine whether two cars were racing before impact.

Witnesses have told investigators that cars driven by an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were racing side-by-side up two-lane 12th Street West before the man's car ran a stop sign and slammed into a Honda driven by Robert Curtis, who remained hospitalized Monday on life support.

``There's an array of charges that could apply there,'' California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Weldy said.

The crash occurred about 12:30 p.m. Friday as Jared Smith, 18, was driving north on 12th Street West in a 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage, CHP officers said. Smith's car drove through the stop sign at Avenue O and broadsided Curtis' 1990 Civic.

Curtis was airlifted to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, suffering from major head trauma. Smith was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital with minor cuts and bruises.

Several witnesses told CHP officers Smith had been racing another compact car along 12th Street West.

The other car stopped at the intersection. That driver's name was not released because she is a juvenile, officials said.

Investigators are still interviewing witnesses and want to see whether Curtis' condition improves before they present their findings to prosecutors.

Potential charges could include running a stop sign, engaging in a speed contest or even vehicular manslaughter if Curtis dies, Weldy said.

The other motorist could face the same charges even though her car was not involved in the collision, officials said.

``We have up to a year to file charges,'' Weldy said. ``Hopefully (Curtis') condition will improve in that time.''