Los Angeles - On Saturday, March 24, 2001, at approximately 11:05 AM a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Juan Luis Gonzalez, a 25 year-old resident of Los Angeles, was traveling eastbound on Martin Luther King Boulevard in a 1988 Chevy Astro Van when his vehicle was struck by a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus, southbound Main Street, driven by 36 year-old Albert Rea. It is unknown which driver ran the red light at the location however, Mr. Gonzalez, who was not wearing his seatbelt was partially ejected from the vehicle. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, pinning Gonzalez between his vehicle and the roadway. According to witnesses, Mr. Rea fled the scene and parked his vehicle a short distance from the scene. Witnesses at the scene assisted with lifting the vehicle off of Gonzalez and called for paramedics. Gonzalez was transported to California Hospital where he was pronounced dead due to major blunt force trauma.

Approximately two hours after the collision, Mr. Rea walked into the Newton Community Police Station and surrendered to police. He was transported to County USCMC for treatment of complained of chest pain due to the deployment of the air bag inside the vehicle. Mr. Rea was arrested and booked for Manslaughter.

This investigation is ongoing and is being handled by Central Traffic Detectives. For further information regarding this release, please contact Media Relations at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Officer Hayley Purece, Media Relations Section.