(Northridge, CA) A 2-month-old infant died and the mother was gravely injured after a collision at Roscoe Boulevard and Louise Avenue, Los Angeles police said.
On Wednesday, November 4, at about 3:10 p.m., a white 2025 Toyota Crown traveled east on Roscoe Boulevard toward Louise Avenue with a green light, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Meanwhile, a silver sedan completed a left turn onto Louise, followed by a white pickup truck that turned without yielding to approaching traffic.
To avoid the pickup, the Crown’s driver veered left into opposing traffic and collided head-on with a white 2017 Toyota Prius. Three people were inside the Prius: its driver, a 20-year-old mother and her 2-month-old child. All three suffered severe injuries, according to police.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the Prius occupants to a hospital, where the infant later died. The mother remained in grave condition as of Friday.
Meanwhile, the pickup driver drove off southbound on Louise Avenue. The Crown’s driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Valley Traffic Division detectives are seeking information about the pickup and its driver. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.
Analysis of the Roscoe Boulevard Crash
The pickup never struck either Toyota, according to LAPD’s description of the collision. Its reported turn nevertheless prompted the Crown’s evasive movement into opposing traffic.
California Vehicle Code 21801 requires left-turning drivers to yield to approaching vehicles close enough to present a hazard throughout the turn. Following another vehicle through an intersection does not remove that obligation; the pickup driver had to assess whether the turn could be completed safely.
The reported departure also concerns California Vehicle Code 20001, which requires drivers involved in injury or fatal collisions to stop and fulfill their identification and assistance duties. Physical contact is not required for a driver whose conduct makes them involved in a collision.
Here, the connection between the pickup’s turn and the Crown’s evasive movement is central to evaluating the pickup driver’s involvement. The absence of damage from direct contact does not exclude that driver from the inquiry.
What the Family Can Do
You can direct witnesses with information about the Roscoe Boulevard crash to Officer Hansen at 818-644-8255 or Detective Martinez at 818-644-8033. Outside business hours, call 877-527-3247; anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Giving witnesses those contacts lets detectives obtain their accounts directly.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 888-888-9285 to speak with a lawyer.
