Current:Home > ContactDriver charged in 2022 crash that killed Los Angeles sheriff’s recruit, injured 24 others -FundSphere
Driver charged in 2022 crash that killed Los Angeles sheriff’s recruit, injured 24 others
View
Date:2025-04-27 12:55:17
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A driver who plowed into a group of Los Angeles County sheriff’s recruits on a training run last year, killing one and injuring 24 others, was charged Thursday with vehicular manslaughter, authorities said.
Nicholas Gutierrez, 23, was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and nine counts of reckless driving causing great bodily injury, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in state prison.
The Diamond Bar man was arrested after the Nov. 16, 2022 crash in Whittier but released while authorities investigated further. He was arrested again on Thursday, the DA’s office said.
About 75 recruits, from the county Sheriff’s Department and several local police agencies, were running in formation on a street near the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier when an SUV veered onto the wrong side of the road and into the cadets, then crashed into a pole, authorities said.
Twenty-five cadets suffered injuries, including severe head injuries and broken bones, then-Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at the time.
One of them, Alejandro Martinez, was hospitalized for eight month before dying from his injuries in July.
“The felony filings today are a step towards justice for the family of Deputy Alejandro Martinez and all the LASD Recruits who were injured, many of whom have life-altering injuries sustained because of this tragic incident,” current Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement.
Tests didn’t find any indication that Gutierrez was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Gutierrez told KNBC-TV that he fell asleep at the wheel while heading to work as an electrician installing solar panels.
“I woke up to the sound of (recruits) banging on the windows,” he said.
“I didn’t intentionally do it,” Gutierrez said. “I wish it never happened. I feel bad it happened.”
A statement Thursday from Gutierrez’s attorney, Alexandra Kazarian, said that he and his family have and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement.
“Nicolas and his family are beyond devastated about this horrifically tragic accident,” the statement said.
veryGood! (21)
Related
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- 'Beloved' father who was clearing storm drains identified as victim of Alaska landslide
- US Open Day 2: Dan Evans wins marathon match; Li Tu holds his own against Carlos Alcaraz
- Missouri death row inmate gets another chance at a hearing that could spare his life
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Pink’s Sweet Pep Talk Backstage With Daughter Willow Proves She’s a True Rockstar
- California Climate and Health Groups Urge Legislators to Pass Polluter Pays Bills
- 'Deadpool & Wolverine' deleted scene teases this scene-stealing character could return
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Caitlin Clark's next game: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun on Wednesday
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Don't Miss Kate Spade Outlet's Labor Day Sale: Chic Bags, Wristlets & More Up to 81% off, Starting at $19
- Body of Delta Air Lines worker who died in tire explosion was unrecognizable, son says
- 'Very demure' creator Jools Lebron says trademark situation has been 'handled'
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- The Paralympic Games are starting. Here’s what to expect as 4,400 athletes compete in Paris
- American Idol's Scotty McCreery Stops Show After Seeing Man Hit Woman in the Crowd
- New US rules try to make it harder for criminals to launder money by paying cash for homes
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Missouri death row inmate gets another chance at a hearing that could spare his life
US Open: Cyberbullying remains a problem in tennis. One player called it out on social media
Michigan football's once spotless reputation in tatters after decisions to win at all cost
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Suspect in fatal shooting arrested after he falls through ceiling of Memphis home
Caitlin Clark's next game: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun on Wednesday
Georgia’s former first lady and champion of literacy has school named in her honor