DUI/Hit and Run Driver Seriously Injures Pedestrian

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, March 21, 2000

"DUI/Hit and Run Driver Seriously Injures Pedestrian"

Los Angeles – On Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at approximately 12:25 a.m., a Felony DUI/ Hit and Run traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Temple Street and Edgeware Road in the Rampart Area.

Ricardo Flores, a male Hispanic in his 40’s, of Los Angeles, was driving a 1980 Datsun 280ZX eastbound on Temple Street approaching Edgeware Road. Flores failed to stop at a red phased tri-light signal, lost control of his vehicle and collided with a Department of Water and Power guide wire, a fence and a closed restaurant located on the northeast corner of Temple Street and Edgeware Road. Several power poles that were supported by the guide wire were damaged causing power outages in the immediate area.

Flores’ vehicle continued out of control in a northerly direction, went airborne and collided with victim Jose Rivera, a male Hispanic in his 30’s who was believed to have been either walking or standing on the north side of Temple Street in front of the closed restaurant. The impact between the vehicle and Rivera caused him to be launched in a northerly direction, approximately 15-20 feet off the ground where he collided and came to rest on top of an awning in front of the restaurant.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department transported Rivera to County USCMC where he was admitted and underwent emergency surgery. Rivera, who sustained serious injury to his head and legs, was in extremely critical condition after surgery.

Immediately after Flores’ vehicle came to rest, he climbed out of the wreckage through the passenger window and fled the location on foot. He was captured a short distance away where he was placed under arrest for Felony Driving Under The Influence. Flores, who sustained cuts and abrasions, was transported to County USCMC where he received medical treatment. He was later booked into the hospital’s Jail Ward.

This investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Central Traffic Detectives. For further information, please contact Detective T. Morris at (213) 485-3111.

For Release 4:45 pm PST
March 21, 2000