Vehicular Manslaughter Suspect Taken into Custody NR12494cj

Los Angeles:   The suspect who struck and killed an unidentified man and woman, sleeping on a sidewalk early Sunday morning has been arrested.

On Sunday October 28, 2012, at 12:05 a.m., 19-year-old Carmen Elena Chavez of Los Angeles, hit two pedestrians sleeping on Crocker Street on the east sidewalk just south of 4th Street.  The unidentified victims were pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics.

Chavez was driving a black 4 door 1989 Mercedes Benz.  She lost control of her car as she was making a right turn at an unsafe speed.  She was found to be under the influence of alcohol and booked for 191.5 P.C., Vehicular Manslaughter.  Her bail is set at $100,000.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Central Traffic Detectives, Detective Josephine Mapson or Detective Felix Padilla at 213-972-1851.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.