Author: Leo H.

(Surprise, AZ) A motorcyclist died Saturday, December 20, in a Bell Road crash near Sunrise, according to the Surprise Police Department. Officers responded to the two-vehicle collision and identified the motorcyclist as Charles Kearns-Highsmith, 72. Police said they temporarily closed westbound Bell Road, which impacted traffic at Mountain View. Eastbound lane restrictions were put in place at Bell Road and Sunrise during the investigation.  The roadway fully reopened shortly before 7 p.m. Additional details about how the crash occurred have not yet been released. Opinion on the Bell Road Crash When a fatal collision involves a motorcycle, investigators often review…

(Winnetka, CA) A 12-year-old boy was killed early Monday morning, December 22, in a Saticoy Street collision after being struck by a vehicle in the Winnetka area of Los Angeles. The crash happened around 2:49 a.m. at Saticoy Street and Winnetka Avenue. Police say the boy crossed outside a crosswalk when the vehicle hit him. The driver remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The investigation remains ongoing. Overview on the Saticoy Street Collision When a pedestrian crosses outside a marked crosswalk, investigators often consider the Pedestrian Roadway Safety…

(Valencia, CA) Two people suffered major injuries early Thursday morning, December 18,  in a Northbound 5 Freeway collision involving two semi-trucks and an SUV near Magic Mountain Parkway. CHP officers responded around 1 a.m. and discovered that one of the semi-trucks had separated from its trailer. Authorities found two people trapped inside the detached cab with serious injuries. Firefighters extricated both victims and transported them to Henry Mayo Hospital. All northbound lanes were briefly closed to allow emergency crews to work safely. CHP reopened the freeway by 5:23 a.m. The investigation into what led to the collision is ongoing. Analysis…

(Visalia, CA) A woman was killed Saturday night, December 13, in a Riggin Avenue crash after being ejected from a vehicle. Officers dispatched just before 9:30 p.m. following reports of a car accident involving a possible ejection. They arrived to find Irene Rodriguez lying in the roadway. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, they pronounced her dead at the scene. Police identified the driver as 38-year-old Christina Torres. She was uninjured and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Overview on the Riggin Avenue Crash When a fatal ejection occurs during a collision, investigators often reference the DUI Prohibition Law. This…

(Scottsdale, AZ) A bicyclist was killed Monday afternoon, December 8, in a Thompson Peak Parkway accident near Raintree Drive. The collision occurred shortly after 4:15 p.m. Emergency crews treated the Devin Curran at the scene before transporting him to a hospital. Despite arriving at the hospital, he died shortly after. Police say the involved driver stayed on scene and cooperated with officers. The Scottsdale Vehicle Crimes and Reconstruction Unit is investigating. Understanding the Thompson Peak Parkway Accident When a driver collides with a bicyclist, investigators often review the Bicycle Safety Statute. This statute requires motorists to maintain a safe distance…

(Long Beach, CA) A woman died Thursday, December 18, from injuries she suffered in a Gerald Desmond Bridge collision involving an SUV and a box truck, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 1:25 p.m. Thursday on the southbound side of the bridge near Pier D. CHP reported that the silver SUV overturned onto its side, blocking lanes. This prompted traffic to be diverted onto the new Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. The woman, who had been inside the overturned SUV, was transported to a Long Beach hospital. Despite life-saving measures, she died from her injuries at…

(Phoenix, AZ) An 84-year-old man died Tuesday night, December 16, in a Seventh Avenue crash after being struck while walking through a downtown Phoenix crosswalk. Officers responded around 10:40 p.m. to Seventh Avenue and Fillmore Street. They found the pedestrian, identified as William Sinclair, with severe injuries. First responders took him to a hospital, where they later pronounced Sinclair dead. Preliminary details indicate Sinclair crossed in a marked crosswalk when a northbound car struck him. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released additional information about the driver. Analysis on the Seventh Avenue Crash When a pedestrian is struck…

(San Diego, CA) A 14-year-old boy was killed Saturday night, December 13, in a Camino Ruiz crash after being struck by an SUV on a foggy Mira Mesa roadway. The collision happened around 8:30 p.m. at Camino Ruiz and Hydra Lane. Authorities say Jayden Stewart was walking in the roadway when a northbound 2020 Chevrolet Traverse hit him. Paramedics transported him to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where they pronounced him dead. Heavy fog was present at the time of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. Overview on the Camino Ruiz Crash When a pedestrian is walking in the roadway…

(Northridge, CA) A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday night, December 17, in a Nordhoff Street collision. Officers responded around 10:06 p.m. to Nordhoff Street and Louise Avenue. According to them, witnesses reported a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle. Police say both the motorcyclist, identified as Jonathan Cruz Woltke, 21, and the driver of an unknown car traveled eastbound on Nordhoff when the collision occurred. Paramedics transported the Woltke to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Overview on the Nordhoff Street Collision…

(Los Angeles, CA) One person was injured early Thursday morning, December 18, in a Long Beach Freeway accident involving a head-on crash at the 710/60 interchange. CHP officers responded around 1:47 a.m. to the northbound 710 Freeway at the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway junction. They arrived to find a black Jeep Wrangler and a blue Honda SUV that had collided head-on in the middle lanes. Authorities found one person trapped in the Honda.  Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics arrived and extricated the victim. They transported them to a hospital in an unknown condition. Debris from both vehicles was scattered…