Los Angeles: On Saturday, September 18, 2004, a hit and run traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and Cedros Avenue. A mother, her four year-old daughter and 18 month-old son were crossing Nordhoff Street northbound in the east side crosswalk on a green light. A 2000 Ford, F250 pickup truck travelling westbound on Nordhoff Street collided with all three. According to witnesses, the truck ran the red light and kept going without stopping. Several witnesses followed the truck for about one mile until they were able to get the driver to stop.

The mother, Carmen Padilla, 33 years old of Panorama City, and her daughter were taken to local hospitals where they later died. The 18 month-old, who was in a stroller at the time of the collision, was airlifted by Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics to Children’s Hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

The driver, 73 year-old John Gutierrez of North Hills, was initially believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He was transported to a local hospital where medical tests later revealed he had suffered from a medical condition.

The investigation is continuing and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review upon completion of the investigation.

Anyone with information is requested to call Valley Traffic Detectives, at 818-756-8381.

On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.