Information Detail
11/15/15
**** UPDATED****
The fourth victim out of 5 died as a result of a street racing event that resulted in a crash.
On Saturday, November 13, 2015 about 1:10am, there was a fatal car crash on the 2600 block of Malt Avenue in the City of Commerce. A group of over 80 cars converged in the area and numerous illegal street races ensued. In one race, two vehicles were southbound at a high rate of speed when a Ford Mustang began a "burnout". A burnout is an illegal maneuver where the vehicle spins the rear wheels while the vehicle travels in a circular pattern. The Dodge Charger, one of the vehicle racing southbound, collided with the Ford Mustang.
The force of the collision caused the Dodge Charger into a Chevrolet pick-up parked near the curb. There were numerous male on-lookers watching the races. It appears that at least 5 people were standing near the right rear side of the Chevrolet pick-up as the Charger impacted the truck. The force of the impact with the Dodge Charger and the Chevrolet pick-up sent at least 5 people flying over 30 feet. The other vehicle that the Dodge Charger was racing did not remain at the scene. When the LA Sheriff's units arrived, almost all the street racing spectators and both drivers were gone. Three of the 5 people died as a result of the aforementioned collision. The other two were in critical condition.
On Monday, November 16, 2015, after an exhaustive investigation, East Los Angeles Sheriff's Detective investigators arrested Bryan Morales (an 18 year old male Hispanic from Pacoima) for vehicular manslaughter. He is suspected to be the driver of the Dodge Charger. He has been released on bond.
East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station Traffic Office is handling the investigation. We are seeking the public's help in identifying the other two drivers related to the collision. Anyone with information can contact Traffic Investigator John Huerta at 323-981-5014 or Sergeant TJ Smith at 323-981-5020.
Contact Information: Sergeant TJ Smith - 323-981-5020, t1smith@lasd.org
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