18-Year-Old Man Dies in Fatal Traffic Collision

October 18, 2005

Los Angeles: An 18-year-old Panorama City man died during a fatal traffic collision involving a Ford Mustang and a Honda Accord at the intersection of Coldwater Canyon and Vanowen Street.
The crash occurred on October 16, 2005, at about 2:20 a.m., when a Mustang was traveling northbound on Coldwater Canyon at a high rate of speed.  According to witnesses, the Mustang failed to stop at a red light and collided with a Honda driving eastbound on Vanowen Street. 
Both cars ran off the roadway and ended at a mall parking lot at the intersection of Coldwater Canyon and Vanowen Street.  One of the occupants of the Honda, 18-year-old  Oseas Garcia from Panorama City, was ejected and died at the scene.  All other victims were taken to local hospitals and were being treated for severe and minor injuries.
The driver of the Mustang was arrested and identified as Victor Alfonso Avila, a 21-year -old from Panorama City.  He was booked for 187 (a) PC Murder.
For further information, please contact Officer D. Larkin from Valley Traffic Division Detectives, at 818-756-8391.  On weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll free, 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).