Los Angeles - On Sunday, May 20, 2001, at approximately 2:00 a.m., 29 year old Byron Arnulfo Gonzalez of Los Angeles was driving his 1993 Nissan Sentra northbound on the Adams Boulevard off ramp (from the 110 Harbor Freeway), when he collided with the left side of a 2000 Nissan Sienna Van. Gonzalez, who was fleeing from that traffic collision, in violation of 20002 VC, Hit and Run Misdemeanor, continued northbound on the off ramp where he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a cement barrier on the north side of Adams Boulevard. Luis Enrique Florentino, 21 years old of Los Angeles, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Nissan Sentra was killed upon impact due to blunt force trauma. Eric Rolando Gonzalez, 30 years old of Los Angeles, and the brother of the driver, was transported to County Hospital where he was admitted, and treated for miscellaneous abrasions and fractures to both legs. The occupants in the Nissan Van were not injured. The suspect, B. Gonzalez was transported to County USC Medical Center, where he was treated for a lacerated liver, a broken right leg, and multiple abrasions. It is unknown at this time if he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

LAPD, Central Traffic Division Detectives will seek Manslaughter charges against B. Gonzalez once he's released from the hospital.

The Manslaughter case is being handled by Central Traffic Division Detective J. Meneses, and the Hit and Run Misdemeanor that occurred prior to the fatality will be handled by the California Highway Patrol, Officer Bryan Acee
213-744-2331. If you have any questions regarding this incident please contact Detective Tia Morris or Detective Johnny Meneses at 213-485-3111.

This press release was prepared by Officer La Donna Cissell, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.