Fatal Collision Press Release

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, March 24, 2000

Los Angeles – On Thursday, March 23rd, 2000 at approximately 10:10 PM, 20 year old Carlos Nolasco of Los Angeles was driving a 1980 Ford Fairlane eastbound #2 on Vernon Avenue at Broadway when he collided with the rear of a 1986 Cadillac Sedan that was stopped eastbound at a red phase tri-light at Broadway. Tawanoa Lee the 23 year old driver of that vehicle followed Nolasco as he fled from the location to southbound Main Street.

During the chase Lee pulled along side Nolasco in an attempt to get him to stop, at which time Nolasco ran a red phase tri light signal at 51st and Main St. broadsiding a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass that was being driven by 25 year old Alicia Smith, westbound on 51st Street. The impact between Nolasco and Smith caused Smith to run off the roadway and collide with a residential fence on the southwest corner of 51st and Main Street. Nolasco was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and had no driver’s license or insurance. He was transported to LAPD Jail Division and booked for 191.5 PC (Vehicular Homicide w/Gross Negligence). Smith, (Party 2 in the second collision) was driving on a suspended license.

Injuries:
Nolasco sustained a minor cut to one hand. Tawona Lee was not injured, however, her fight front passenger, 35 year old Troy Darnell Washington, complained of pain to his neck and back. Smith complained of pain to her face and chest. Smith was transported to California Hospital where she was treated and released. The right front passenger in Smith’s vehicle was a paraplegic identified only as a male, 6′ 0", 220 lbs. He sustained blunt force trauma and died as a result of his injuries while he was being transported by LAFD rescue ambulance to County USCMC.

This investigation is ongoing and is being handled by CTD Detectives. For further information contact Detective F. Padilla or Detective II Kaden at 213-485-3111.

For Release 11:00 am PST
March 24, 2000