A tragic incident unfolded in the San Fernando Valley on Saturday, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to three others, including the individual believed to be responsible, following a police pursuit that culminated in a crash, according to officials.
A tumultuous event took place in the Winnetka area around 1:32 p.m.
Authorities report that the individual, thought to be in his 40s, became aware of law enforcement trailing him due to concerns over a stolen vehicle – a Mercedes SUV.
The individual accelerated south on Mason Avenue, colliding with a white Tesla that was moving west through the intersection at Saticoy Street.
“The light had turned green for the east and west traffic on Saticoy,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Don Graham. “The suspect vehicle crashed into the Tesla as it was heading southbound at a high rate of speed, and the Tesla then crashed into the other two vehicles.”
The individual involved in the stolen SUV incident was swiftly apprehended following the vehicle’s rollover, and authorities report that he was taken to the hospital with non-serious injuries.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the drivers of both a black car and a silver car sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital.
A female driver of the white Tesla was pronounced dead at the location.
“It was bad,” recounted a nearby resident, Maria Toribio. “That was my initial reaction, my stomach started to churn.”
Residents such as Toribio, who witnessed the incident, shared with KTLA’s Angeli Kakade that the noise will remain etched in their memories.
“This is the kind of tragedy that will live with this family forever, so close to the holidays,” said Graham. “It is unfathomable to think about.”
The individual is now confronted with charges of vehicular homicide.
In light of Saturday’s unfortunate event, Toribio expressed her hope that city officials will take action to resolve the ongoing problems at the intersection where the fatal incident occurred.