RESEDA, CA — A 21-year-old San Fernando Valley man was arrested on suspicion of murder following a six-vehicle pileup that killed one person and wounded several others in Reseda, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday.
The Sunday morning crash on West Vanowen Street took the life of 32-year-old Francisco Velasco-Marcos, of Reseda, according to the The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The area is known for street racing, and authorities believe speed was a factor in the crash.
The crash involving at least six vehicles occurred in Reseda at 18153 West Vanowen Street at 11:18 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters arrived to find three people trapped in the wreckage and a sheared fire hydrant flooding the scene, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange.
Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools similar to “Jaws of Life” to free two other people trapped from one vehicle, he said.
“Firefighter-Paramedics evaluated a total of 11 patients (including the deceased),” said Prange. “Six patients were transported to area hospitals, and four declined transport by LAFD ambulance.”
Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Velasco-Marcos was driving a yellow Chevrolet Camaro at a high rate of speed alongside a white Dodge Charger eastbound on Vanowen approaching Chimineas Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“The Dodge changed lanes and collided with the Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to lose control and collide with multiple vehicles,” according to an LAPD statement.
The driver of the Dodge, 21-year-old Reseda resident Nicolas Velasco Marcos, was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries before he was booked at the Van Nuys Jail for suspicion of murder with bail set at $2 million.
“Driving in a reckless manner is against the law and it carries serious consequences,” police warned. “When you drive recklessly, you are not only putting your own life in danger, but that of other innocent people.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at 818-644-8036, Officer Sison at 818-644-8022 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: Kanken Rainbow Backpack