Los Angeles: On Tuesday, December 18, 2001, at approximately 3:35 p.m., a fatal auto vs. motorcycle traffic collision occurred on Main Street and 80^th Street in the 77^th Street Community Police Station Area. The collision occurred when a 1971 Honda motorcycle, which was being driven by Andre Gills, 39 years of age, a resident of Los Angeles, struck a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe in the intersection. A 35-year-old female Hispanic was driving the Tahoe along with two small children.

Prior to the collision, Gills was travelling southbound on Main Street when the Tahoe crossed Main Street westbound on 80^th Street. According to a witness, the driver of the Tahoe was stopped at the posted stop sign prior to entering the intersection. As the Tahoe crossed the southbound lanes of Main Street, Gill decelerated and laid down his motorcycle onto the roadway. However, Gills was unable to avoid colliding into the right side of the Tahoe. As a result, Gills was thrown from his motorcycle and both vehicles came to rest near the northwest corner.

Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, and transported Gills to Martin Luther King Hospital. The driver of the Tahoe and two children were all treated at the scene for minor injuries at the scene. However, Gills succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 4:26 p.m. at the hospital.

Although the preliminary investigation found no evidence to indicate that the driver of the Tahoe was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speed and other traffic violations may have been factors in the collision. The driver was questioned and was released.

This case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for review.

Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Scott Sherman, South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6063 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.