This Week In The News (04/15-04/19)

LAPD Now Allows You to File Traffic Accident Reports Online

Wednesday, April 17 (KPCC) – The Los Angeles Police Department announced residents can now report a car accident online. Rather than calling an officer to the scene, they can use a new accident reporting system if no injuries are involved. The online system is expected to help LAPD officers who, according to a survey, spend over half their time filling out reports rather than serving local neighborhoods.

No Injuries Reported After Big Rig Explosion at Port of Los Angeles

Monday, April 15 (KABC) – On Monday, an explosion at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, near the Vincent Thomas Bridge, destroyed a big rig and several vehicles. The incident, which occurred at about 10 a.m., also sparked a fire. According to police, the explosion was caused by an industrial accident. The cargo container and cars were heading out of the port at the time.

Sun Valley Couple Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

Monday, April 15 (Fox 11) – On Friday, Olivia Enriquez, 59, and Leland West, 58, were killed when their green 1998 Toyota Corolla was hit by a white 2015 Dodge Charger. Police are currently asking for the public’s help in finding the hit-and-run driver of the Charger. Investigators believe a 25-year-old woman was drag racing a darker Dodge Charger at the time.

Driver Charged with Killing Scooter Rider in Hollywood

Tuesday, April 16 (NBC Los Angeles) – Jared Anderson of Enoch, Utah, was charged in connection with hitting and killing scooter rider Evan Faram, 31, of Dallas, with his pickup truck. Prosecutors allege Anderson was drunk at the time he struck the rental scooter at a Vine Street crosswalk. If convicted of murder and other charges, he could face up to 15 years to life in prison.

Man, Woman Hospitalized After Car Crashes into Drainage Ditch

Tuesday, April 16 (Fox 5 San Diego) – A woman was seriously injured after a 2013 Chevrolet sedan she was riding in, driven by a 24-year-old man, crashed into a drainage ditch in South Bay. The incident occurred on Main Street west of I-5, at around 9:40 p.m., according to police. Both individuals were taken to the hospital, the woman suffering a displaced pelvis, brain bleed, and brain swelling.

Woman, 77, Ejected from Tesla, Struck by BMW and Killed on 405 in Long Beach

Tuesday, April 16 (NBC Los Angeles) – Judith Blankenfeld, 77, of Hilo, Hawaii, was killed after being ejected from a Tesla that crashed on the 405 Freeway in Long Beach, at the Lakewood Boulevard on-ramp, at about 9:40 p.m. The driver (a 78-year-old-male), and a 73-year-old woman, both from San Clemente, were injured in the crash. According to investigators, the Tesla driver made an unsafe turn into a raised concrete curb and an unoccupied 2011 Chevrolet, tearing off the Tesla’s right rear passenger door. Blankenfeld, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and struck by a 2008 BMW.

Los Angeles Lakers: Why Lonzo Ball Should be Untouchable this Offseason

Tuesday, April 16 (FanSided) – This season, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the injury of LeBron James, who was signed in hope of improving the NBA team’s playoffs chances. Other blows include the failed Anthony Davis trade talks and resigning of Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations. Analysts speculate a possible trading of Lonzo Ball, but his defensive efforts, other possible trade opportunities, and his performance make this a bad idea.

Video Shows Screaming Woman Fleeing Attacker Before Being Stabbed During Violent Lake Forest Rampage; Suspect ID’d

Wednesday, April 17 (KTLA5) – Marylou Villalobos Palos, 42, was seen in surveillance video fleeing her home on Danby Avenue, protecting her two teenage daughters by luring away suspected attacker James Carlos Melendrez, 25, of Anaheim. The attacker caught up and stabbed her multiple times. Melendrez had been involved in a chain of criminal events that day. After being pepper sprayed by a cyclist and arrested, he was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, carjacking, and attempted carjacking, and held on $2 million bail.

No Relief for Orange County as Gas Prices Skyrocket

Tuesday, April 16 (Patch.com) – The average price per gallon of regular gasoline in Orange County rose three-tenths of a cent Tuesday. Over the past couple of months, it has risen nearly 72 cents. Gas prices are currently the highest here since August 1, 2015, based on AAA and Oil Price Information Service data. Experts say that, although the price increase is slowing, a reversal of the trend is not expected anytime soon.

Apple, Qualcomm Settle Bitter Dispute Over iPhone Technology

Tuesday, April 16 (My San Antonio) – Apple and mobile chip maker Qualcomm reached a surprise settlement to a prolonged financial dispute on Tuesday. Both were expected to go to trial in a San Diego federal court next month. The resolution involves a deal in which Apple will pay Qualcomm an undisclosed amount and includes a six-year licensing agreement. Qualcomm’s stock rose 23% following the news, while Apple shares edged up 2%.