Category: Accidents

On February 20, officers assigned to Los Angeles Police Departments (LAPD) Gang Enforcement Detail played a significant role in a pursuit in central Los Angeles. The suspect, 19-year-old Kwentin Monk, initially drew the attention of the officers as they assisted a burglary task force. The officers pursued Monk on suspicion of his involvement in a possible burglary.

Monk led the police on a chase that culminated in a residential neighborhood in the Hancock Park area, near Oakwood Avenue and June Street. Here, he abruptly turned his vehicle around, aimed it at the approaching officers, and accelerated. In response to this threatening gesture, officers fired upon his vehicle.

Despite the gunfire, Monk continued to evade the police, and later collided with another car at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Wilton Avenue in Larchmont. Opting to continue his escape on foot, Monk fled the crashed car but was swiftly detained by the police.

The victim of the car accident was transported to the hospital to treat minor injuries sustained in the crash. Monk, who was not injured by the police gunfire, was also unharmed in the car crash. No officers sustained injuries during the pursuit.

Monk was subsequently arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer. Further details about the case have not been disclosed, as the entire incident is still under ongoing investigation.

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In West Covina on Friday, a wrong-way crash resulted in one fatality and four individuals hospitalized. The incident occurred on the 1700 block of West Puente Avenue, West Covina around 12:16 AM and police officers immediately responded to the scene.

The investigators reported that a male driver in a black Toyota sedan was traveling on the wrong side of the road, leading to a head-on collision with a white Honda sedan. The Honda was carrying four passengers at the time of the collision. A male passenger situated in the Hondas backseat unfortunately did not survive the crash and was declared dead on the scene.

The injured passengers, comprised of two adult males and one adult female were transported to nearby hospitals. Their conditions varied, with one in critical state, one in stable condition, and the third one was treated and then discharged from the hospital. The driver of the Toyota, being the sole occupant of his car, was transported to the hospital in a critical condition.

The circumstances that led to the wrong-way crash remains unclear. Neither the identity of the wrong-way driver nor the identity of the deceased passenger were released. The West Covina Police Departments Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) arrived on scene and is conducting an investigation into the cause of the tragic incident. Witnesses or anyone with relevant information regarding the incident are urged to contact the West Covina Police at 626-939-8688, referencing WCPD DR# 25-00969. Anonymous tips can also be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their online portal.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A hit-and-run collision involving a classic Corvette led to significant infrastructural damage on Friday night in Los Angeles Fairfax neighborhood. According to video footage obtained from KTLA, the accident transpired around 11 p.m. near the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Beverly Boulevard.

The Corvette, distinctively black with a red interior, reportedly crashed into and sheared a fire hydrant after the driver lost control of the vehicle. It is still unclear what led to the loss of control before the accident occurred. The impact of the crash created a water fountain which subsequently caused a minor flood on Beverly Boulevard.

This incident resulted in considerable damage to the front of the vintage car. Taking into account the severity of the crash and the flight of the driver from the scene, it can be inferred the vehicle was unoccupied at the time authorities arrived at the scene.

The exact location of the incident was in the vicinity of The Beverly Grove shopping center. The immediate area experienced flooding as a result of the collision with the hydrant.

Despite the video evidence and substantial damage to the Corvette and fire hydrant, the driver has not been located. Authorities have called on the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. KTLA has approached the Los Angeles Police Department for further details on the investigation and are awaiting a response.

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A 26-year-old man, Austin Allen Eis, pleaded guilty to 10 felony charges which includes the murder of a 15-year-old boy, Wesley Welling, during a violent crime spree in Ventura County. These events began with an assault on a store greeter at a Walmart in Simi Valley. Eis committed multiple attacks including spitting, pepper spraying and stabbing. Additionally, he dragged another employee across the store.

Following this, Eis reportedly broke into his parents home in Camarillo demanding further armaments. He was armed with a replica firearm and a knife upon entering. Subsequently, Eis targeted a group of Westlake High School students standing on a sidewalk with his car. The collision resulted in the death of Welling and severe injuries to three others. Witnesses reported that Eis accelerated towards the teenagers deliberately. His car eventually overturned after crashing into a bus stop.

Eis later confessed that he specifically targeted the students due to personal frustrations and intentions of committing mass violence. Investigations revealed a history of violent threats, including admiration for mass murderers and adherence to extremist ideologies. Text messages also showed Eiss intentions of carrying out acts of violence over the years. The Ventura County District Attorney referred to Eiss acts as acts of terror and extreme violence. Eis pleaded guilty to murder, six counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon (car and knife), and one count of false imprisonment by violence. Special allegations like first-degree murder, premeditated attempted murder, use of a deadly weapon, and the personal infliction of great bodily injury were found to be true.

Eis remains in custody without bail awaiting a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 14. The probable sentence is 85 years to life in state prison. Throughout the crime spree, Eis was reportedly a transient and was experiencing homelessness. The victim, Wesley Welling, was commemorated as a wonderful son, brother, and friend who tragically died on his mothers birthday.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A fatal traffic collision occurred on the 1700 block of West Puente Avenue in West Covina early on Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local news sources.

The incident reportedly happened at about 12:16 a.m. when a male driver, maneuvering a Toyota sedan, was traveling on the incorrect side of the road. Unfortunately, he collided head-on with a Honda sedan that had four occupants. The male passenger in the Hondas backseat did not survive the crash, police confirmed.

The survivors — two adult males and one adult female — were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities. Among them, one person is battling life-threatening injuries, another is in stable health, and the third individual was treated and released from the hospital. Additionally, the Toyota driver, who was alone in his car, was rushed to the hospital in a critical state.

Authorities have yet to disclose the specific circumstances leading up to the deadly crash. The name of the wrong-way driver and the identity of the deceased passenger are still withheld pending further investigation and notification of the immediate family.

The local Police Departments Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the scene. The investigation into the cause of this unfortunate traffic incident is ongoing, confirmed authorities.

West Covina Police Department is urging any potential eyewitnesses or anyone with information regarding this case to come forward and call them at 626-939-8688, referencing WCPD DR# 25-00969. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Two individuals have been taken into custody by the Riverside County Sheriffs Office in relation to a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Southern California man. Suspects, identified as Brody Aaron Bird, 20, and Amber Lauren Lievanos, 20, are both residents of Lake Elsinore.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when the victim, Josh Nichols, 44, was walking home with his dog after a night out. Nichols was hit by a vehicle on Riverside Drive, west of Baker Street in Lake Elsinore. Responding deputies found Nichols severely injured and lying facedown on the street. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the location.

The driver responsible for the hit-and-run had fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies. Preliminary descriptions suggested the vehicle involved was likely dark-colored with front-end damage. With assistance from the public, investigators were able to gather sufficient details to identify a suspect.

On February 20, 2025, deputies sighted the suspected vehicle leaving a Lake Elsinore residence and conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of one suspect, Bird. Lievanos, the second suspect, was identified later and apprehended on the same day.

Upon questioning, both Bird and Lievanos were transferred to the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Lievanos stands accused of vehicular manslaughter, while Bird has been charged as an accessory after the fact.

The sequence of events leading to the crash and Nichols death remains uncertain. One theory proposed by Nichols friends suggests the possibility that Nichols may have been attempting to retrieve his dog, Woodson, who had broken free from his leash when he was hit. The dog is currently reported missing.

Nichols leaves behind a young child and numerous friends and family mourning his loss. An online fundraiser has been organized to assist his family with funeral costs. Case details remain sparse as the investigation is ongoing. The Riverside Sheriffs Dispatch and the Lake Elsinore Sheriffs Station have asked anyone with additional information about the case to make contact.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Two individuals, namely Brody Aaron Bird and Amber Lauren Lievanos, both 20 years of age and residents of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, have been apprehended in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident. The victim, 44-year-old Josh Nichols, a local of Southern California, was fatally hit while he was out walking with his dog. The incident occurred on Riverside Drive, west of Baker Street in Lake Elsinore in the early hours of February 18.

Upon their arrival, deputies discovered Mr. Nichols injured and lying prone on the street, and he was declared deceased at the scene. The unidentified driver had absconded before the arrival of law enforcement officials. The vehicle was described merely as a dark-colored car possibly having sustained some form of frontal damage.

With assistance from the public, sufficient information was compiled enabling investigators to identify probable suspects. On February 20, the alleged vehicle was sighted leaving a Lake Elsinore residence. Deputies carried out a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Bird. Lievanos was identified and apprehended later the same day.

Upon interviewing the suspects, Bird and Lievanos were subsequently booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Charges against Lievanos included vehicular manslaughter, while Bird was charged as an accessory after the fact. Further investigation surrounds the events leading to the deadly crash, but it is believed that Mr. Nichols dog, Woodson, who remains unaccounted for, may have been involved. Mr. Nichols, lovingly spoken of as a kind individual and known for selflessly providing his support to those he could help, is survived by his young child, friends, and extended family. The case remains open and under investigation, with no additional details immediately available.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A tragic accident occurred on Thursday afternoon near the UC Irvine campus which led to a mans death the following day. The incident took place around 3:34 p.m. at the intersection of Campus Drive and Turtle Rock Drive, not far from the academic institutions grounds.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Orange County Fire Authority were quick to arrive on scene. The vehicle involved in the incident, a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox SUV, had suffered a single-car collision. The driver, the only individual present in the vehicle, was an adult male. To protect the privacy of the mans family, officials have yet to release his identity pending notification of his next of kin.

The driver was immediately transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Based on preliminary investigations by the authorities, it appears that the driver was heading in a southbound direction on Campus Drive, in the direction of Turtle Rock Drive. It was at this point that he unexpectedly struck a curb, causing the SUV to overturn.

A startling revelation from the investigators suggests that the driver may have been in the midst of a medical emergency when the accident occurred. As of the moment, further details regarding the nature of this medical emergency or any potential influencing factors for the accident remain unavailable for disclosure.

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A hit-and-run incident has resulted in a fatality in Riverside County. The incident transpired on February 18 and the search for the suspect is ongoing. Lake Elsinore sheriffs deputies confirmed this information and provided further details.

The initial incident report was received close to 1 am, detailing sightings of a man on the road on Riverside Drive, positioned just west of Baker Street. Sheriffs deputies promptly responded to this report to assess the situation on site. The man was discovered laying face down on the roadway and was unfortunately pronounced dead at the location itself. Details surrounding his identity are currently being withheld until the next of kin is appropriately notified of the unfortunate incident.

Preliminary evidence gathered at the scene led the detectives to construe that the man was indeed hit by a vehicle. The driver suspected of the incident reportedly fled the scene post the crash. The vehicle implicated in the incident is believed to be of dark color and likely to have sustained front-end damage.

As of the present moment, no additional details regarding the case have been communicated as the investigation is still underway. Individuals who might have any information pertinent to this incident, or may assist in identifying the suspect, are encouraged to reach out to Deputy Keyser at the Lake Elsinore Sheriffs Station via 951-245-3300 or the Riverside Sheriffs Dispatch at 951-776-1099.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A fire incident was reported early Tuesday in a three-story residential building located on the 600 block of North Kingsley Drive, East Hollywood. Firefighters responded to the scene and found several vehicles engulfed in flames at the ground-floor parking level of the building.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued an evacuation order for both residential floors of the building due to the heavy smoke emanating from the parking level. Initial rescue efforts resulted in a woman and a ten-year-old boy being saved from the vehicle fire.

Video footage from local media outlet KTLA showed thick black smoke emanating from a first-floor window and firefighters utilizing tools to break down a metal fence. The rescued individuals, a twenty-nine-year-old woman, and a ten-year-old boy, were attended by paramedics on the scene and subsequently transported to a local hospital. Their condition remains unknown at present.

The LAFD states that an estimated 40 to 50 firefighters were needed to extinguish the flames, accomplishing the task in approximately 39 minutes. The cause of the blaze still remains under investigation as the LAFD continues their assessment of the circumstances leading up to the incident.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.