Newly elected BHUSD Board Member Russell Stuart is set to be released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Nov. 22, after being struck by a carjacked vehicle last week. The incident took place during the “Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights” celebration on Nov. 14.
The Beverly Hills Police Department received a call shortly after 7 p.m. on Nov. reporting a carjacking of a BMW X3 on the 400 block of North Bedford Drive. They later received a second call of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian traffic incident. When officers arrived at the scene at Wilshire Boulevard and Camden Drive for their investigation, they determined that it was the stolen vehicle that had crashed, leaving behind multiple injured victims. The driver, 22-year-old James Portul of Pittsburg, fled on foot but was detained on the 200 block of North Beverly Drive.
The Courier was at the scene of the crash moments after it took place. The black BMW was crumpled into the wall of a building, leaking fluid with its airbags deployed. Balloons and items with holiday lights were strewn across the area. Several people were still awaiting medical attention. In addition to Stuart, the balloon vendor and her son were also injured. Stuart’s dog, Rudy, was trapped underneath the vehicle and received a laceration under his eye but has recovered.
Stuart spoke to the Courier from his hospital room this week. He recounted that moments before the incident he was purchasing a Hello Kitty balloon with his young daughter and his dog, Rudy. Suddenly, he heard a screech of tires and then woke up in an ambulance. He said he knew the paramedic, who was holding his hand, assuring him that he was alive. He remembers nothing else about the crash and is thankful to “the good Lord, who not only protected me in that moment, but has shielded my soul.”
Stuart said he would like to purchase the balloon vendor a new cart if he can track her down.
“One of the things that hit me hardest was someone had handed me a plastic bag of my belongings. It also had the $15 that I was handing the woman to buy the balloon,” he said.
As word spread that Stuart was one of the victims, more than 150 people posted well wishes to him on social media.
Among the dozens of posts was one from former Mayor Lili Bosse, who said, “Thank God our beloved community member, Russell Stuart will be OK. This does make me believe in miracles. We love Russell and his beautiful family…” Bosse purchased new dog toys for Rudy as well.
Lisa Stuart, Russell’s wife, posted words of gratitude to the community. “I’m so grateful to the unbelievable number of people that have reached out to me. The community of Beverly Hills; people don’t understand how tight knit it can be,” Stuart said.
Despite suffering from broken ribs and arms, Stuart plans to attend his swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 17.
Portul pled guilty on Nov. 18 to charges of PC 215-carjacking and VC 20001(A), hit-and-run with injury. A preliminary hearing is set for the matter on Dec. 5.
