Image of Sheriff’s trainees crash in South Whittier courtesy of KTLA 5 News.
SOUTH WHITTIER, CA (November 17, 2022) – A motorist whose SUV swerved across a South Whittier roadway and slammed into a group of Sheriff’s trainees on a morning run, injuring two dozen of them, was identified today, and he remained jailed on suspicion of attempted murder on a peace officer.
Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, of Diamond Bar, was being held in lieu of $2 million bail, according to jail records. He was booked at the sheriff’s department Norwalk Station around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Gutierrez is accused of swerving his Honda CRV into a group of about 75 law enforcement cadets who were on a training run around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 10600 block of Mills Avenue, near Telegraph Road, just blocks from the sheriff’s STARS Explorer Academy law enforcement training center.
Sheriff’s officials said the group of recruits was running in columns northbound on the roadway when the southbound SUV swerved to the opposite side of the road and plowed into the trainees, leaving a trail of injured bodies that Sheriff Alex Villanueva compared to a plane crash.
The SUV then slammed into a light pole, which was knocked to the ground. The vehicle was reportedly going about 30-40 mph at the time, authorities said.
A law enforcement vehicle was behind the runners for traffic control, but there was no vehicle in front of them. The first runners managed to avoid being hit by the oncoming SUV, which plowed into those behind them, authorities said.
Neighbors told reporters at the scene that recruits often run in groups through the neighborhoods near the academy.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement, “Our hearts are with the Los Angeles County sheriff’s recruits injured this morning while training to serve their communities. Jennifer and I send our best wishes for their recovery and stand with their loved ones and colleagues at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”
[via CNS]
Liability In the Whittier Sheriff’s Trainees Collision
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating the Sheriff’s Trainees Collision in South Whittier
We at Accident News Now we again extend our well wishes and prayers to the trainees who were injured in this senseless collision, and hope they all make a full and speedy recovery. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.