Cal Poly Students Sue Frat Brother After Alleged Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run

Two 19-year-old Cal Poly students are seeking damages in a lawsuit alleging they were struck by an underage, intoxicated driver who then fled the scene in his Tesla. The incident occurred on January 8, when Ishan Pandhare, 20, allegedly hit Lilianne Burke and Zoey Archibald as they walked with friends to celebrate a birthday.

According to the lawsuit, Pandhare was driving at approximately 60 mph in a 25-mph zone. The complaint states he made no attempt to brake before or after the collision, leaving the women with severe injuries requiring surgery and ongoing treatment. The suit describes the scene as the women being "left like run over garbage in the roadway" and that they required immediate hospitalization.

Pandhare is among several defendants named in the suit, which was filed on July 10. He faces separate criminal charges including DUI causing bodily injury, reckless driving causing injury, and hit-and-run causing injury or death. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Court documents indicate that on the day of the incident, Pandhare attended multiple parties, including one hosted by Kappa Sigma fraternity members and another by a 21-year-old. He allegedly received alcohol from attendees at these events. The lawsuit also names a 22-year-old, who allegedly owned the Tesla, accusing them of allowing Pandhare to drive despite knowing he was intoxicated.

Archibald and Burke's lawsuit asserts that encouraging alcohol consumption constitutes hazing and accuses Kappa Sigma of violating California's hazing regulations. Theo Emison, Archibald's attorney, stated, "Two Cal Poly students were run over and left bleeding in the road by an underage driver under the influence who cowardly fled the scene." He added, "We will find all persons who are responsible in any way for this tragedy and hold every one of them accountable for this despicable conduct."

Christopher Dolan, Burke's attorney, commented, "There are so many layers of failure here that had the law been followed by any one of the people who furnished the alcohol, provided the vehicle, encouraged excessive consumption and drove the vehicle, this life-changing collision would not have happened." He further emphasized, "The lawsuit should be seen as a wake-up call to the alcohol culture in colleges and universities: If you break the law and cause harm, you will be identified, pursued and held accountable."

The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial. Pandhare's preliminary hearing in his criminal case was scheduled for October 19, with the first hearing in the civil suit set for November 16. Attorneys for the plaintiffs and other parties involved have been contacted for comment.