Pedestrian killed during pursuit in L.A.

[DAL]

Pedestrian killed during high-speed police pursuit; suspect in custody
September 27, 2009 | 11:49 am

A 26-year-old man was held without bail today after he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian during a high-speed police pursuit that began on the 101 Freeway in Woodland Hills, authorities said.

The pursuit began shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday when a California Highway Patrol officer tried to pull over Hector Vidal, who was driving a 2002 Cadillac sedan southbound on the 101, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Norma Eisenman.

Vidal did not stop and fled “at a high rate of speed,” and a pursuit ensued, Eisenman said. Vidal exited the freeway and the chase moved to Ventura Boulevard, where he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian in a crosswalk near the intersection of Don Pio Drive, Eisenman said.

The pedestrian has not yet been identified.

Vidal rear-ended a vehicle on Ventura Boulevard and kept driving, police said. The chase ended after his car struck a fence near Valley Circle Boulevard. At one point, a CHP officer fired on Vidal, but the suspect was not struck, Eisenman said. No other details of the shooting were released.

-- Ari B. Bloomekatz

For video report, see http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/loca...oting_20090926

[nobodyjr]

If it was LAPD chasing you could expect a knee jerk reaction from the department. (like a more restrictive chase policy) CHP probably not so much. There's something to be said for the bosses being 600 miles away.

[mikeymedic]

Poor pedestrian...over something that would have inevitably ended with him in jail anyway.

[marcusindc]

Please post up the initial charges when they are known.

[DAL]

Please post up the initial charges when they are known.

According to several reports, a "California Highway Patrol officer tried to stop him for a vehicle code violation" on U.S. 101. After hitting the pedestrian, he shot at the officer, so there is a good chance that the failure to yield was because the driver had committed, or was wanted for, some crime.

[az4code23]

They should charge him with homicide. However, they may charge him with vehicular manslaughter. However, I hope he gets charged with something, which he will. I hope they put this dirt bag away for life! God bless the victim's family!

[NextGenOfc]

felony-murder rule?

[DAL]

felony-murder rule?

May not work.

See http://sandiegonewsroom.com/news/ind...tive&Itemid=40

[nobodyjr]

The felony murder rule is all f'd up in this state. It's rarely used, even when it should be.

[nonickname69]

I think they could hang man-slaughter on him. Attempted murder for shooting at the cops. And the long list of felonies for the pursuit itself.

[NextGenOfc]

I think they could hang man-slaughter on him. Attempted murder for shooting at the cops. And the long list of felonies for the pursuit itself.

I think they will try to pin him with att murder but will eventually get it to be agg. assault? They SHOULD use the felony-murder rule but if they don't he will probably get a manslaughter charge.