SAN DIEGO, Calif, (CBS 8) - The parents of 19-month-old Izaiah Wallis, who was critically injured by a 17-year-old drunk driver October 18, are pushing for tougher DUI laws.
Their son was paralyzed after the teen plowed into him as he was being pushed in a stroller by his grandfather in Oceanside. He remains in critical condition at Rady Children's Hospital.
At a fundraiser for baby Izaiah at Paradise Point Resort Tuesday evening, his parents announced a push for new legislation to try underage DUI cases as adults.
In their case, the 17-year-old who hit Izaiah faced up to 12 years behind bars. However, because he is a minor, he will be released from custody at age 21.
Izaiah's parents have launched an online petition to generate support for the proposed legislation. Already, more than 1,000 people have signed it.
Tuesday night's fundraiser featured local celebrities such as former Padres star Adrian Gonzales. The event, which offered a silent auction and raffles, was held to help defray baby Izaiah's staggering medical bills, which top $30,000 a day.
