Van Nuys: On Tuesday, October 16, 2001, at about 12:30 P.M., a 1996 Infinity was westbound on Burbank Boulevard from Woodley Avenue at a high rate of speed. According to witnesses, the Infinity repeatedly cut in and out of traffic while passing other cars. The driver of the Infinity, 24 year old Sebastian Rodriguez of Winnetka, lost control, spun out and crossed the planted dirt center median into oncoming eastbound traffic where he collided with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, 21 year old Patrick Flanders II of Encino, died of his injuries at the scene.

Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence and later booked into Van Nuys Jail for murder. Bail was set at $1,000,000.00.

The investigation is ongoing and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case on Thursday, October 18, 2001.

This Press Release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.