South Traffic Detectives are Investigating a fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Collision

November 23, 2001

"South Traffic Detectives are Investigating a fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Collision"
 
Los Angeles: On November 22, 2001, at approximately 7:45 am., a fatal auto vs. pedestrian traffic collision occurred on Menlo Avenue and Adams Boulevard in the 77th Street Area.
The collision occurred after the victim, a female Asian approximately 60 years of age, entered the roadway and walked westbound in the unmarked crosswalk from the southwest corner of Adams Boulevard and Menlo Avenue. As she crossed the street the victim was struck by a 2001 Nissan Frontier pick-up truck, which was being operated by Sergio Rocha, a 24 year old resident of Los Angeles. According to witness, Mr. Rocha was making a left turn from westbound Adams to southbound Menlo when his truck struck the victim.
Witnesses followed Mr. Rocha as he continued to drive south on Menlo Avenue. Mr. Rocha eventually stopped his truck in front of his residence, which was approximately 900 feet south from the point of impact. The witnesses then escorted Mr. Rocha back to Adams Boulevard and flagged down a passing police car.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to USCMC County Hospital for the major body trauma and internal injuries she sustained in the collision. Officers assigned to South Traffic Division conducted the on-scene investigation and found Mr. Rocha to display symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. The suspect subsequently failed the Field Sobriety Tests and was arrested and booked for felony drunk driving.
At 9:05 P.M., the victim died from her injuries at the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim was not in possession of any identification when she was struck, therefore her identification is pending examination by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
The follow-up investigation into this collision has been assigned to South Traffic Detective II Scott Sherman.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.