Los Angeles: On Thursday, January 27, 2005, at about 7:45 a.m., a fatal vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue striking a woman and two children.

Maria Gonzales, a 48 year-old resident of Los Angeles, was walking with her 9 year-old daughter and her neighbor's 8 year-old daughter when they approached the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue. All three began to cross southbound in an unmarked crosswalk where the driver of a white panel van pulled into the intersection from southbound Tamarind Avenue. The driver intended to negotiate a left turn to eastbound Santa Monica Boulevard, but stopped in the middle of the intersection and waved at Ms. Gonzalez and the children to proceed southbound. Ms. Gonzalez and two young girls proceeded southbound until they reached the eastbound lanes of Santa Monica Boulevard, at which time, all three were struck by a 2000 Saturn sedan driven by Viviana Galaviz.

Ms. Gonzalez and her 9 year-old daughter were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for abrasions. Seily Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital where she died as a result of her injuries.

Viviana Galaviz, a 32 year-old resident of Los Angeles was interviewed at the scene. It was later discovered that Galaviz was driving with a suspended driver's license. Galaviz was arrested and booked for Felony Manslaughter.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact West Traffic Division, Officer Bowens, at 213-473-0234. On weekends or during off-hours, call the toll-free, 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.