(Long Beach, California) Charles Norman, 64, was identified as the pedestrian on a wheel chair who was struck by a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Eric Chung at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Seventh Street on September 18th at approximately 12:35 a.m.
According to LBPD Lt. Eric Golz, witnesses told police that a white BMW sedan was traveling south on Pacific Coast Highway when it hit the pedestrian walking across 7th street. When police arrived at the scene, they performed CPR until personnel from Long Beach Police Department arrived.
According to the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office, the pedestrian had suffered from traumatic injuries following the crash. The hit-and-run driver was identified as Ethan Chung from Irvine and was caught and arrested shortly by authorities just 5 blocks away from the fatal crash.
Eric Chung was held at Long Beach City Jail with a bond of $50,000 on suspicion of felony, hit-and-run and vehicular homicide. Chung was released from the city jail the same day after posting bond.
Preliminary investigation showed that the pedestrian on the wheelchair was traveling eastbound on a marked cross walk when Chung struck him. He did stop his vehicle but did not render any aid and left the scene.
Speed, impaired driving, and distracted driving did not appear to play a factor but is under investigation.
Legal Analysis on the Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Seventh Street
Given the information, we know the driver did not show any signs of impaired driving, speed or distracted driving but regardless that is still under investigation. Given the fact that the driver stopped and then left the scene after striking the pedestrian, the driver may had alcohol in their system and above the legal limit to operate a vehicle as their first conviction. If that was the case, they may be imprisoned at a county jail for 90 days, at least 48 hours of which shall be continuous, no more than six months, or fined $390 to $1,000 (California Vehicle Code 23152).
Because the driver caused a fatal death he may face more serious charges than a fine or imprisonment for a small amount of time. He may have committed Gross Vehicular manslaughter, reviewed under California Penal Code 191 if he was under the influence and killed someone. This may result the driver to be imprisoned for 15 years to life
Advice to the family of Charles Norman
It is not easy to deal with a tragic loss unexpectedly which is why it is encouraged to reach out to family and friends or even counseling to help ease the emotional and stressful aspect in the tragedy. If you are planning a legal action against the driver once found, getting into contact with an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents can be beneficial and can answer any questions you may have during your legal process.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
