California Injury Blog

Authorities have identified an off-duty police officer who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the evening of February 25, 2010, as 37-year-old Jacqueline Montalvo. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the accident occurred when Montalvo's vehicle crossed a median and careened into oncoming traffic. Three other vehicles were involved. One man was taken to a hospital in serious condition while three others sustained minor injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jacqueline Montalvo for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this family in your prayers during their time of grief. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident" »

A man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver on the 10 Freeway. According to a CBS News report, the fatal car accident occurred the night of February 18, 2010 in the westbound 10 Freeway in West Covina near Azusa Avenue. The victim, a West Covina resident, died at the scene. Police are still searching for two suspects who California Highway Patrol officials say, fled the scene of the crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved this man. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of grief.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Man" »

Police have arrested a 76-year-old man in connection with a San Diego car accident the night of February 25, 2010 involving a 56-year-old woman who was struck and seriously injured. According to a 10News report, the pedestrian was walking across Market Street at 42nd Street, in Mount Hope, when the driver struck the woman. Officials said the man had run a red light when the accident occurred, but he sped away from the scene. He was later arrested in Santee. The woman sustained serious injuries to her face and leg.

I hope that this pedestrian did not suffer major injuries in this collision. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from her injuries. She will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Seriously Injured in San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

Gabriel Lanusse, 40, was injured in a San Francisco car accident after a teenager accused of driving under the influence, rammed head-on into his family's minivan. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the accident occurred the night of February 20, 2010 in Petaluma, when Lanusse was stopped at a light on Lakeville Highway and Frates Road. The teen lost control of her car as she drove on Lakeville Highway, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the minivan occupied by Gabriel Lanusse, his wife Kristine and two children.

Thankfully, Kristine Lanusse and the two children were not injured although the minivan was totaled and Gabriel Lanusse sustained a broken arm. The teenager suffered head injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Officials found an empty tequila bottle in her car, determined she had been drinking and arrested her on suspicion of felony DUI.

Continue reading "San Francisco Area Car Accident Caused by Suspected Drunk Teen Driver" »

Authorities in Santa Maria have identified a man who was seriously injured in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, the night of February 21, 2010, as 26-year-old Santos Quiros. According to a news report in the Santa Maria Times, 36-year-old Raymundo Reyes was driving north on Blosser Road when he struck Quiros who was walking eastbound on the roadway, near Donovan Road. Quiros sustained a fractured pelvis, multiple cuts and scrapes and was taken to a local hospital. Reyes was uninjured and later arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury.

I sympathize with Quiros and his family. I wish Quiros the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his serious injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver" »

Michelle Garcia, 20, was killed in a San Diego car accident the morning of February 20, 2010 involving a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the North County Times, Garcia was in a 2006 Lexus driven by George Reyes traveling eastbound on Avenue S in Escondido. California Highway Patrol officials say Garcia allowed his vehicle to drift over to the right shoulder. He veered back to the left, but lost control. The Lexus crossed the median, rolled over and came to rest on its roof. Garcia was ejected from the Lexus and died at the scene. CHP officials reported that she was not wearing her seatbelt. Reyes sustained major injuries, but was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Michelle Garcia for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in San Diego DUI Collision" »

Brian Chase of the BISNAR | CHASE (www.bestattorney.com) Southern California personal injury law firm has been named a Super Lawyer and Top 50 Orange County Attorney by Orange Coast Magazine. This is the 5th year in a row Chase has received this recognition.

Since Brian graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law, where he was the associate editor of the Pepperdine Law Review, he has been in the public eye as a superior personal injury lawyer for over 17 years. He has tried dozens of jury trials and has recovered seven- and eight-figure amounts from a variety of automobile manufacturers on behalf of people who have suffered catastrophic injury from auto defects.

Continue reading "Brian Chase Continues to Be a "Super Lawyer"" »

Dr. Jeffrey Gross is a special combination of medical doctor, neurological surgeon to be precise, and a medical advocate. Jeff and I recently met and discussed sports, scuba diving, patient care and the role of medical expert witnesses in personal injury cases. We discussed a range of medical/legal issues, treatment of trauma victims and his love of being a doctor and healing people.

Continue reading "Best Neurological Surgeon For Treating Patients with Personal Injury Claims" »

Madeline Mezger, 19, was seriously injured in a car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while walking with friends in San Luis Obispo. According to a news report, Mezger was walking across California Boulevard from the railroad tracks on February 21, 2010, when she had stopped in the middle of the street. A 2009 Nissan Cube driven by 21-year-old Anthony Micheal Colicchio struck her. The driver told police that Mezger was wearing black and that he did not see her in time to avoid the collision. Mezger was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Officials do not believe Colicchio was under the influence of alcohol. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope Mezger's injuries were not catastrophic and wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Woman Seriously Injured in Car Accident" »

A bicyclist who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of February 15, 2010, has been identified by local authorities as 40-year-old Ovidio Morales. KTLA News reports that Morales was hit near the intersection of Compton Boulevard and Dwight Avenue by a driver who was possibly distracted by a cell phone. Those who witnessed the accident told police that the driver while talking on the cell phone, ran a red light, struck the victim, quickly examined the victim and drove away from the scene. Police are now looking for this hit-and-run driver. The vehicle they are looking for is a 1990s silver or gray Ford passenger van, likely an Aerostar. If you have information, please contact 310-605-6500.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ovidio Morales for whom this must be a devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Bicyclist" »

A man was killed in a San Francisco car accident the evening of February 15, 2010 after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. Claycord.com, a news web site, reports that the man was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Clayton Road and Barbis Way in Concord when he was struck by a Buick sedan. Police are not clear whether drugs or alcohol may have played a part in this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to everybody who knew and loved this man. His grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in San Francisco Area Car Accident" »

Myrtle Harmon, 68, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after a driver crossed over the center line into the path of her vehicle, causing a head-on crash. According to a news report in the Chico Enterprise Record, 53-year-old Juanita Maldonado was driving a Honda Civic north on the Highway 99 the afternoon of February 14, 2010 when she crossed over the center line and hit Harmon's 2005 Ford Focus, which was southbound. California Highway Patrol officials said Harmon died at the scene.

Maldonado and one of her grandchildren -- 15-year-old Erica Aguirre -- sustained serious injuries. Her 11-year-old grandson, Miguel Aguirre, suffered minor injuries. CHP officials said Maldonado was traveling about 40 to 45 mph when the Honda drifted to the right. She swerved back to the left causing the car to cross over the center line. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors in this accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Myrtle Harmon for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. I also wish Maldonado and her injured grandchildren the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.

Continue reading "Fatal Sacramento Area Car Accident" »

Tom Atkinson, 56, was injured in a dog bite incident in an Escondido gated community, according to a news report in the North County Times. He was apparently finishing a jog on Rock View Glen in the Emerald Heights development when he noticed what looked like two loose pit bull mix dogs growling at a neighbor and his leashed dog. As Atkinson walked on, the dogs lunged at him. He fought them off and they ran away, but returned and bit him several times. Atkinson sustained a bite to the forearm and another deep bite to the thigh. The report states that the owners of the dogs have chosen to euthanize the 5-year-old dogs, which have been the subject of prior complaints.

My heart goes out to Atkinson, who is dealing with dog bite injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Jogger Attacked by Dogs in San Diego" »

A number of victims who have been injured in California car accidents proceed with their insurance adjuster under the impression that the adjuster is there to help them. This is a misconception that can significantly hurt your claim. The cold reality is that the adjusters are not your friend. In fact, the insurance adjuster will get promoted, and receive bonuses based on how much money he can save the company by withholding money from you.

Continue reading "Can You Trust An Insurance Adjuster After An Accident?" »

Orange Coast magazine has named John Bisnar, partner of the BISNAR | CHASE California personal injury law firm, a Super Lawyer for the third consecutive year.

John is a native of Southern California and a 32-year law veteran. He has represented, to date, 6,124 clients with a 97.8% success record, which has helped victims and families of victims recover hundreds of millions of dollars. John graduated cum laude from California State University, Long Beach with a B.S. degree in Finance/Investment and received his JD degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. Since he was admitted to the California State Bar in July of 1978, his superior skill as a personal injury lawyer has been noticed by many reputable sources and publications, including The United Way, who have called him a "Community Hero."

Continue reading "John Bisnar is a 2010 Southern California Super Lawyer" »

A woman was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a vehicle in Lakeside, 10News reports. The woman was hit by a Ford Mustang the morning of February 16, 2010 in the 9400 block of Los Coches Road, California Highway Patrol officials said. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was not arrested or cited pending an investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim. My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in San Diego Car Accident" »

Written February 14, 2010 by John Bisnar

The first real dive of a scuba diving adventure for 14 divers aboard the Galapagos Aggressor II ended in the death of E.G., a 23-year-old kindergarten teacher from Galveston, Texas and New York.

Due to the numerous requests for more information about what happened and how E.G. died, the following account is provided. First, my deepest condolences to E.G.'s family and friends. I have no words that will alleviate your pain or give you back what you have lost. E.G. will, however, live in our hearts and memories. But for a twist of fate, both my wife, Kimberly and I could have been with E.G. today.

Continue reading "Scuba Diving Fatality - Galapagos - February 12, 2010 - E.G." »

Victims who have been injured from a defective product are well advised to seek the help of an experienced California products liability lawyer. The complexity of a defective product case will vary based on a number of factors.

Continue reading "How Long Does a Products Liability Case Take?" »

The question comes at a time when cheerleading accidents has seen a major increase in the number of disabling injuries since the 1980s. "Right now, cheerleading is out of control," says the director of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, and the available statistics do show that the occurrence of disabilities and deaths from cheerleading incidents is higher than all the other female-player sports combined.

The lack of training for coaches and cheerleaders, the lack of regulations consistently overseeing each team within each state or school district, and the continuous competition are causing this once cheerful pastime to be a huge personal injury risk.

Continue reading "How Can Cheerleading Team Spread the Spirit Safely?" »

Cara A. Lee, 20, was killed in a Costa Mesa car accident after the driver of a Toyota pickup truck ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle in which Lee was a passenger. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred early morning on February 14, 2010 at the intersection of Sunflower Avenue and Sakioka Drive. Police said the driver of the Tundra pickup truck, 22-year-old Gustavo A. Vega, was fleeing an earlier traffic collision in Santa Ana.

Continue reading "Orange County DUI Car Accident Kills Woman" »

The increase in cheerleading personal injuries is taking people by surprise. What was once a fun and spirited activity is now leaving many young cheerleaders disabled. Experts are attributing the dangers of "cheering" to inadequate safety measures, improper training and the increasing competitiveness of the activity.

If you've seen a competitive cheerleading team lately, it's no shock that competition is tough. Cheerleaders take on stunts and tosses reminiscent of gymnastics. These stunts require immense balance, strength and practice, and if a "flyer" -- the one being tossed in the air -- falls, she is facing an impact of 2,000 pounds, according to sports show "Sport Science."

Continue reading "Cheerleading Personal Injuries Arise from Lack of Training" »

Three people sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the night of February 5, 2010 after the driver of a vehicle lost control and crashed at a busy intersection. According to a KTLA News report, the injury crash happened at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue when a car that was northbound on Highland struck another vehicle pushing it into a light pole. A woman who was walking on the roadway was pinned between the pole and the vehicle that was hit. She was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries including a possibly severed leg. Two others also sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital.

I sympathize with all those who were injured in this car accident. I especially pray for the pedestrian, who was the most seriously injured. I hope her injuries were not catastrophic. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Three" »

A 9-year-old boy, who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his scooter was struck by an SUV at a Walnut intersection, has been identified by local officials as Mauricio Vigo. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the accident occurred near the intersection of Wesleyan Avenue and Temple Avenue in Walnut. Mauricio was riding his scooter downhill turning from Wesleyan to Temple when he was struck by a 2008 Mercedes Benz SUV driven by a 49-year-old man. Mauricio was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mauricio Vigo for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Kills 9-year-old Boy" »

My wife, Kimberly, and I took our first dive from the diving boat, Galapagos Aggressor II, off the coast of the Galapagos Islands today. We made the first dive of our trip in a strong current. Unfortunately, tragedy struck as a young schoolteacher from Texas, about 25 years of age, who was part of our diving group, drowned during her dive. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved her. I offer my deepest condolences to her parents and her closest family members.

Our dive was off the eastern tip of North Seymour Island. We began the dive 100 yards away from shore at about 8 this morning in calm seas. In-water visibility was about 60 feet. Kimberly and I came up after 30 minutes. We knew when we came up that the young woman was missing. We had not seen her for about 15 minutes at that point. The dive master, who was in charge of our group, had already been looking for her for about 10 or 15 minutes.

Continue reading "Fatal Diving Accident off Galapagos Islands Shocks California Personal Injury Lawyer" »

A 45-year-old woman was killed in a Long Beach car accident after she was struck while crossing eastbound Seventh Street. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the woman was hit by a red Honda Civic right outside the campus of California State Long Beach, near East Campus Drive. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of February 4, 2010. Police believe the woman was a student at the university and have also said she may have been crossing the street illegally when she was hit.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Long Beach Car Accident" »

A high school cheerleader from Marshall High in Los Angeles sustained catastrophic injury while performing a stunt at a football game two years ago. She was thrust into the air and when she came back down, she was limp. Her heart had stopped beating. By the time paramedics arrived and they were able to get her heart start beating again, her brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long and she was in a coma.

Unfortunately, this is not the first of this sort of cheerleading personal injury. Even more experienced cheerleaders have been badly hurt, as in the case of a Sacramento City College cheerleader who broken her neck when she fell headfirst 15 feet while doing a stunt in 2006.

Continue reading "Cheerleaders Risk Personal Injury More Than Other Sports Combined" »

Jose Gilbert Garcia, 42 and his 16-year-old nephew Luis Alberto Garcia were killed in a San Bernardino car accident after their vehicle was struck by a parolee who was trying to get away from the police. According to a report in the Whittier Daily News, police were pursuing 26-year-old Luis Lazalde on February 6, 2010, as he headed west on Orchard Street in Montclair. Lazalde's car collided with a Ford Contour driven by Jose Garcia. Both Jose Garcia and his young nephew died at a local hospital. Lazalde sustained only minor injuries.

Police apparently set up surveillance outside Lazalde's girlfriends house after he had allegedly threatened to shoot her. When they saw Lazalde's vehicle, which matched the description provided by the woman, police tried to pull him over, but he fled. Lazalde was arrested on suspicion of evading police, causing bodily injury or death, participating in a criminal street gang and making criminal threats.

Continue reading "Two Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident during Police Pursuit" »

There are many different types of personal injury that car accident victims suffer from in California. Some of these injuries include broken bones, fractures, and brain injury. There are, however, some injuries that are more common than others for California car accident victims.

The most common kind of car accident injury is whiplash because the majority of auto accidents are rear-end accidents. You get a whiplash from the spine being stretched and snapped. Generally whiplash injuries are an insult to the spine. Whiplash can become a catastrophic injury. In some cases the severity of the injury does not show until years after the accident.

Continue reading "What Is The Most Common Car Accident Injury?" »

A 77-year-old woman sustained serious injuries in a San Francisco pedestrian accident after she was struck by a city bus while walking in a marked crosswalk. The San Francisco Examiner reports that the accident occurred the afternoon of February 9, 2010 at the intersection of San Bruno Avenue and Burrows Street when a 9-San Bruno bus hit the woman. Police officials say she has suffered critical, life-threatening injuries. Police say at least five independent witnesses have said that the pedestrian was in the crosswalk when she was hit.

My heart goes out to this critically injured woman who is apparently fighting for her life. I sincerely hope she makes it through her injuries and has a complete recovery. This injured victim and her family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Seriously Injures Elderly Woman" »

A woman was fatally injured in a Long Beach pedestrian accident after she was struck by a big rig the morning of February 8, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the woman was crossing Wardlow Road at Santa Fe Avenue in a marked crosswalk, when a large truck hit her as it made a turn. The driver stopped and was questioned by police, but has not been cited or arrested pending a police investigation. The deceased victim's name has not yet been released.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Involving Big Rig" »

When people think of cheerleading they probably remember going out to football games and chanting along with their school's songs, clapping with the pom pons and bringing out the best of "school spirit." Though cheerleading still relies on these aspects, things have changed, and in recent years cheerleaders have stretched their skills to great lengths. The risk of cheerleading personal injury is now a common problem while expectations for intricate stunt routines continue to skyrocket.

Cheerleading has long departed from the "Rah! Rah! Rah!" of yesteryear and has taken on some strenuous physical goals. People who have seen the 2000 movie "Bring it On" may have been surprised by the number of hours the team portrayed in the movie practiced for the high school level. And though just a movie, the way cheerleading consumed the lives of the cheerleaders leading up to their competition is a reality with some everyday high school squads.

Continue reading "Cheerleading Has a Dangerous New Role" »

Unsafe intersections can cause serious catastrophic injury to victims. Accident victims who survive these accidents can end up suffering from painful personal injury. If you were involved in a car accident that occurred in an intersection, the city or state may be responsible for your accident.

Continue reading "Is The Government Responsible For My Car Accident?" »

Richard Ciancone, 58, was killed in a Huntington Beach car accident after his motorcycle was struck at a street intersection early morning on February 7, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred when Ciancone was riding his motorcycle west on Heil Avenue near Bradbury Lane. That's when Nathan Bower, 19, the driver of a 2007 Honda Element heading east on Heil, apparently attempted to turn left onto Bradbury Lane and collided with the motorcycle. Ciancone was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Richard Ciancone. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends for their devastating loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Motorcycle Accident" »

Three children were injured, one critically, in a Fontana dog bite incident after a pack of five pit bull mixes attacked them. The Press-Enterprise reports that the children -- Princess Colon, 7, Hector Perez, 6, Destiny Colon, 5, and a 3-year-old - were on their way to a park the afternoon of February 1, 2010, with their mother Josie Arellano, when the dogs attacked them. Destiny suffered critical injuries and bites while Hector had to get 235 stitches and Princess, 18 stitches to close up the tears and bites.

Continue reading "Pack of Dogs Attack Three Children in San Bernardino" »

An Orange County car accident caused fatal injuries to an 80-year-old man as he was attempting to cross a roadway in Seal Beach. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of January 29, 2010 when the man was crossing at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Bolsa Avenue. He was struck by a vehicle and taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to this deceased victim's family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Kills 80-year-old Man" »

One man was killed in a Sacramento car accident that involved a garbage truck and a satellite television installation van. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of February 4, 2010 on Folsom Boulevard near Florin Perkins Road. The vehicles collided and then the garbage truck crashed into a children's daycare center. The driver of the van died. The driver of the garbage truck was transported to an area hospital with major injuries. Thankfully, no one was harmed at the daycare center.

Continue reading "Fatal Sacramento Car Accident" »

Three children were injured in a Fontana dog bite incident after they were brutally attacked by a pack of loose pit bull mixes. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, 5-year-old Destiny Colon was the most seriously injured in the attack, which occurred late afternoon on February 1, 2010, when Josie Arellano was walking to a neighborhood park with four of her children -- Princess Colon, 7, Hector Perez, 6, Destiny, 5, and a 3-year-old. Arellano and the 3-year-old were the only ones uninjured in the attack. Hector and Princess sustained severe bites on their legs. Hector needed 235 stitches to close up his wounds while Princess needed 18 stitches.

Continue reading "Three Children Injured in San Bernardino Dog Attack" »

Sanjay Patel, 26, was seriously injured in a Sacramento car accident after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a vehicle the night of January 31, 2010. According to a news report, Patel was riding his bike on Folsom Boulevard near the Highway 50 overpass when a Ford Explorer struck his bicycle. The driver of the SUV, later identified as 23-year-old Amira Fakira, had continued without stopping after the collision, and dragged Patel who was trapped under the vehicle, a quarter of a mile to Norcade Circle. She then struck another vehicle. Patel was then dislodged from underneath the vehicle as Fakira made a three-point turn back toward Folsom Boulevard.

A witness to this horrific hit-and-run accident managed to grab the keys from the ignition of Fakira's SUV when it was stopped at a red light and detained her until California Highway Patrol officials arrived on scene. Witnesses also told officials that the driver of the Explorer drifted into the bike lane and hit the cyclist. Fakira was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and drunk driving. Patel remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Continue reading "Sacramento Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injures Bicyclist" »

Cody Rodenbucher, 17, was killed in a Riverside car accident when he was struck by a vehicle while walking along a street in Banning. According to a KPSP news report, Cody was hit by a dark-colored car in the 4500 block of Ramsey Street early morning on January 30, 2010. He died at the scene from severe injuries. The driver of the vehicle fled the site of the fatal injury accident. However, a surveillance camera nearby apparently captured images of the car as it traveled east on Ramsey.

Officials tracked down the car to the parking lot of a nearby hotel and interviewed 28-year-old Sachin Bhakta in connection with the incident. He is being viewed as a "person of interest" in this fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident. Anyone who saw this incident or has more information is asked to contact Banning police officials at 951-922-3170.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Cody Rodenbucher for their tragic and untimely loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Continue reading "Teen Pedestrian Killed in Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

A 15-year-old skateboarder killed in a San Diego car accident on January 29, 2010, has been identified as Lucas Giaconelli. According to a 10news report, Lucas was skateboarding with friends on Thibodo Road, near Edna Way, when a speeding Toyota Camry hit him from behind. The teen was soon transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, but died shortly afterward. The driver of the Camry did not stop and fled the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident. San Diego Sheriff's deputies are looking for a white 1990s Toyota Camry with tinted windows, a broken headlight and front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's department at 858-565-5200.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of young Lucas Giaconelli for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this boy.

Continue reading "Teen Skateboarder Killed in Vista Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »