PANORAMA CITY, CA (July 7, 2022) – Ottoniel Mendoza, 38, was arrested for striking a 13-year-old bicyclist with his pickup truck, then kidnapping him while pretending to be a police officer.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 8 a.m. when Ottoniel Mendoza hit the boy with his 2019 gray Toyota Tundra. Mendoza then got out of his truck and showed the boy a fake badge claiming to be police, then ordered the boy into the truck.
A witness who saw the crash called police, who later found the pickup truck near Sepulveda Boulevard and Tupper Street.
Mendoza was in the truck with the 13-year-old boy and another man.
The teenager was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, while Mendoza was arrested at around 8:15 a.m. on a felony charge of suspicion of kidnapping.
Ottoniel Mendoza was released Thursday on $100,000 bail and is due back in court July 27.
Liability In Panorama City Bicycle Accidents
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting bicyclists and other pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21200, “A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10.” There are number of common causes of motorcycle accidents including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Prescription drug use
- Inclement weather
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved and protected after an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Panorama City Bicycle Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our well wishes to the 13-year-old who was injured in this case. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to police as they continue their investigation. There needs to be a thorough investigation so that Ottoniel Mendoza is brought to justice.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Panorama City? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions about the law or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.