Teen in coma after 'car-surfing'

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Norcross police believe as many as eight teens skipped school to go joy riding in an incident that left serious injuries for one student and serious charges for another.

While they were car surfing, the car flipped and trapped a 16-year-old now in a coma and another teen faces charges for a hit-and-run.

His parents told Channel 2 Action News they recognize their son made a very poor choice that morning. But said they are frustrated that they have limited information what happened Wednesday morning and why.

Alex Mora is in a medically induced coma at the Gwinnett Medical Center, a result of a tragic ending to a teen joy ride.

Alex's mother, Becky Mora told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh in Spanish she thanked God her son is now in stable condition and out of danger.

At the hospital Friday, they provided pictures of Alex on a ventilator with several broken bones after the crash that happened at an intersection in a Norcross neighborhood off Beaver Ruin Road.

Police said Alex and seven other students arrived at Norcross High School Wednesday morning, but later left in another student's car.

Police said as many as three of the teens, including Alex, were hanging on the side, car surfing.

The SUV took this corner too fast, flipped and partially landed on Alex. The driver, 18-year-old Alejandro Barrita-Rodriguez was arrested for hit-and-run, reckless driving, driving without a license, and serious injury by vehicle.

Mora's family believes all but one student ran from the accident.

The family also has questions for the school.

Father, Octavio Mora said he isn't placing blame, but said it's the school's responsibility to keep track of the students.

Mora wants to know why they were notified Alex wasn't in school.

Gwinnett County Schools officials said they tried to reach the family after the incident but had not received updated contact information.

Mora said she is praying to God to help them get through this difficult time. Her husband said for now, he is focused on the health of his son.

The family did tell us that a teacher from the high school has visited Alex in the hospital.

The Mora family says doctors expect Alex to remain in the coma for one to two more weeks. But they believe the worst is over.

The driver, Barrita-Rodriguez has bonded out of jail. Channel 2 Action News went to his Norcross address on Friday. A family member said they would not speak without their attorney.

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