Los Angeles: On Friday, September 27, 2002 at approximately 9:10 p.m. a fatal traffic collision occurred in which the driver, a 21 year-old resident of Los Angeles, was killed.

The driver of the vehicle, Hector Lenin Gutierrez, was driving his 1989 Toyota southbound on Crenshaw Boulevard from Pico Boulevard when he lost control of his vehicle.

Traveling at a high rate of speed, the car collided with a parked vehicle on the west side of Crenshaw Boulevard and continued out of control. Gutierrez’ vehicle then hit two more parked cars, causing one of them to strike into the back of a van that was being parked on the west side of the street.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced Gutierrez dead at the scene. Gutierrez’ unidentified brother sitting in the front seat, was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for lacerations to his face and arm. Three occupants of the van were injured, and two were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Their condition is unknown at this time.

West Traffic Division Detective Hernandez is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact 213-473-0234. On weekends and during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.