Driver Plunges Into Bar Killing Patron, Others Injured

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 1, 2000

"Driver plunges into Bar Killing Patron, Others Injured"

Los Angeles – On May 31, 2000, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a fatal traffic collision occurred on Wilshire Blvd at Westgate Avenue, in West Los Angeles. Kenneth Hughes of North Carolina was stopped eastbound on Wilshire Boulevard for a red light in his Honda with one passenger when he was struck from the rear by a 1994 Jeep Cherokee driven by Eric Red, a 39 year-old resident of Los Angeles.

After this initial impact, Mr. Hughes exited his vehicle and observed the Jeep driver slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle. Moments later the Jeep accelerated, pushing the unoccupied Honda out of its way and past Mr. Hughes. The Jeep continued in a northeast direction, ran off the road and crashed through the front of "Q’s Billiards" located on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard. The Jeep came to rest against the bar inside the business. Numerous patrons were struck by the Jeep and by flying wood and glass debris. One patron, Noah Baum, male White, 34 years of age, of West Hollywood, died at the scene after being struck by the Jeep.

After the Jeep came to rest inside the business, the driver exited his vehicle and began to slash his throat using a broken glass from the bar. He was restrained by other patrons and transported to UCLA Medical Center for treatment.

Several patrons inside the location were transported to various area hospitals and treated for injuries ranging from minor to critical.

West Traffic Detectives Mike Fischer and Dan Kemble are conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Officer Trevion Stokes, Media Relations Section.

For Release 9:00 am PDT
June 1, 2000