North Hollywood: On Monday, December 31, 2001, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a fatal traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. 29 year-old Gerardo Flores of North Hollywood was driving a red 1985 Honda Civic westbound on Roscoe Blvd when his vehicle collided with the left side of a white 1995 Honda Civic that was traveling southbound on Laurel Canyon Blvd.

The white Honda Civic, carrying a family of four, spun out of control and two teenagers sitting in the back seat were ejected from the car. The 14 year-old girl was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The 16 year-old boy was transported, along with his injured parents, to another local hospital where he was admitted into surgery. The boy's stepfather and mother were treated and released.

The driver of the red Honda Civic was arrested at the scene for felony manslaughter (Section 191.5 of the Penal Code [Vehicular Manslaughter While Under the Influence of Alcohol]), transported and booked at the Van Nuys Valley Jail.

Detectives from Valley Traffic Division are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives at 818-756-8381. 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 Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.