A 19-year-old bystander lost his life in a fatal car crash in Northridge during an LAPD pursuit of robbery suspects in the early hours of Thursday. The accident, which involved two robbery suspects trying to flee from the police, marks the second deadly collision during a police chase in recent weeks.
According to Officer Drake Madison, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident began around 12:30 a.m. when officers attempted to stop a vehicle wanted in connection with a suspected robbery at White Oak Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard. The suspects refused to comply and fled towards the west on Roscoe, prompting a police pursuit.
While attempting to escape, the suspect’s vehicle ran a red light at Lindley Avenue, about half a mile down the road, and collided with a southbound vehicle driven by 19-year-old Erick Barbosa-Guardado from Reseda, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspects’ vehicle was carrying a loaded rifle, and both occupants fled the scene on foot. While one suspect was apprehended, the other remained at large as of Thursday morning.
The incident once again highlights the potential dangers of police pursuits, which have been the cause of several accidents in recent years. Just over two weeks ago, two bystanders were killed in Panorama City when a stolen pickup truck crashed into a parked car during a police chase.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a Los Angeles car crash, it’s essential to seek legal assistance to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced legal team today to discuss your case and learn about your options.
