The young boy, who initially fell into a coma, sustained severe injuries including broken bones in his leg and arm, as well as significant dental trauma, with several teeth lost and the rest held together by wire.

The investigation began with debris left by the suspect’s BMW X5 at the crash site, Prosecutor Natalie Scholfield informed the court. 

Using this crash evidence, an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR), and various databases, police were able to pinpoint the vehicle, which was located in a business parking lot. 

The damage of that vehicle matched the debris left at the scene, and police subsequently arrested the suspect.

Surveillance video from Korkis’ own Lakeside Smoke Shop later captured him admitting to the hit-and-run crash.

Dani Korkis appeared in El Cajon court for arraignment in hit-and-run case involving a 12-year-old victim

Prosecutor Natalie Scholfield detailed the extent of the victim’s injuries and the suspect’s prior offenses

Debris from Korkis’ BMW X5 was found at the scene on Ballantyne Avenue, helping investigators identify the suspect

‘We have surveillance footage from his parents’ smoke shop indicating he was aware that he struck an individual, perhaps not the 12-year-old,’ Scholfield said. ‘He was notified in some way that he hit a 12-year-old. Despite that, [he] still did not turn himself in.’ 

After his family saw the news reports, noticed blood on his car, and urged him to turn himself in, Korkis still did not come forward.

Korkis’ attorney entered a not guilty plea as he claimed he loaned the vehicle to a woman, police told CBS8.

During the arraignment, prosecutors highlighted the suspect’s history, noting that before the recent crash, Korkis had already fled from police twice over the summer – once on July 17 and again on August 11 – had a reckless driving charge, and had missed a court date for one of those earlier cases.

‘The defendant is clearly dangerous. He has been given multiple opportunities to comply with the law, and he has failed to do so even when released on bond in previous cases,’ Scholfield said.

Judge Peter A. Lynch set bail at $1.5 million, citing Korkis’ repeated disregard for traffic laws

Surveillance footage from Korkis’ smoke shop in which he admitted to hitting the boy played a key role in linking him to the October 22 crash

Judge Peter A. Lynch criticized Korkis for repeatedly ignoring traffic laws and said his ongoing reckless behavior led to a tragic crash that could have been avoided.

Bail was set at $1.5 million, which was $500,000 for all three charges. 

Korkis is due back in court on November 10.