Driver Arrested After Colliding with Motorcycle

November 19, 2006

Los Angeles: Police arrested a Gardena man on Sunday morning after he killed a woman in a traffic collision.

On November 19, 2006, at around 2:45 A.M., Michael Williams, 46, was driving a 2006 black Dodge Ram pick-up truck when he collided with the rear of a Motorcycle, stopped for a red light at El Segundo Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. The driver of the motorcycle and the woman passenger, who was identified as Ramona Ortiz-Howell, were thrown off the motorcycle and onto the street. The driver of the motorcycle ran from the scene.

Ms. Ortiz-Howell was taken to a local hospital where she later died. According to investigators, Williams was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was detained at the scene and arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter.

Detectives are looking for the driver of the motorcycle for questioning. He is described as a Hispanic or Caucasian male, with a beard, 25 to 30 years old, and last seen wearing a black or blue hat. He may be known by the nickname "Lefty".

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact South Traffic Detective Donna Wheeler at 323-290-6063. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).