Advisory

Los Angeles- On Thursday, December 1, 2016, at approximately 12:15 a.m., a fatal traffic collision occurred on the 2800 block of Central Avenue in Newton Area. The collision occurred when the driver of a 2012 Chevy Cruze was traveling northbound on Central Avenue and crossed into opposing traffic lanes. The vehicle continued in a northwesterly direction then ran off the roadway directly into a two-story apartment building. At the time of the collision, the apartment was occupied with six family members. The youngest in the family, five year old Luis Sanchez, suffered blunt force trauma injuries and was rushed to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center by paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later. The remaining family members were also taken to Los Angeles County Medical Center by ambulance. The boy’s parents suffered severe injuries consisting of various bone fractures. Three other children, a 16 year old boy, and two girls, ages 13 and 6 years old, suffered minor injuries that were not life threatening.



The driver of the Chevy Cruze, a 23 year old female, suffered minor injuries and was taken to California Hospital Medical Center. She was found to be under the influence of alcohol and arrested for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.



During the course of the investigation, detectives recovered video from surveillance cameras in the area. The video shows a male getting into his vehicle that is parked in a northbound direction along the east curb of Central Avenue. The driver starts his car and then makes a U-turn directly into the path of the oncoming Chevy Cruze. There was contact between the two vehicles which caused the front grill of the turning vehicle to become dislodged. The Chevy Cruze continued in a northwesterly direction and collided into the apartment building. The hit and run driver stopped briefly then fled the scene southbound on Central Avenue.



Officers recovered the front grill at the scene and identified the hit and run vehicle as a 1996 Saab. Los Angeles Police Department resources were utilized that identified the registered owner with an address in close proximity of the collision. Detectives gathered additional evidence and presented to the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. As a result, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Jorge Ruiz-Garcia, 28 years old of Los Angeles.



On Friday, December 9, 2016, Ruiz-Garcia turned himself in at Central Area Police Station where he was arrested and booked for 20001 VC, Hit and Run. He was later released on bond with the bail set at $100,000.00.



The driver of the Chevy Cruze, Vrenda Moreno, 23 years old, was released from custody after detectives discovered the actual cause of the collision. She still faces criminal charges for her involvement.



Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective Johnny Meneses at (213) 486-0752 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 486-3713. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

