Los Angeles: On April 14, 2001, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the driver of a white Mercedes 4- door sedan traveling westbound on Sesnon Boulevard at Porter Ranch, lost control of the car and collided with a street light pole. After hitting the street light pole, the sedan rolled and came to rest right-side-up on an embankment. Valley Traffic Division officers and Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident and found that the right front seat passenger had succumbed to injuries received in the collision. The driver was transported to Northridge Hospital where he was treated for his non-life-threatening injuries.

Collision investigators determined that the Mercedes was traveling at a high rate of speed before it went out of control and collided with the street light pole.

The driver of the Mercedes is a juvenile and has been arrested. Charges are pending. The deceased passenger's identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

The investigation is being handled by Valley Traffic Division Detective R. Huerta and Officer R. White.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213 485 3586.