This Week In The News (03/25-03/29)

Michael Avenatti Arrested and Charged with Embezzlement and Attempt to Extort Nike

Monday, March 25 (The Wrap) – Attorney Michael Avenatti was arrested in Manhattan on Monday. Charged with trying to extort over $20 million from Nike, Avenatti was also charged in a separate federal case in Los Angeles. These charges concern accusations of embezzling a client’s money to pay personal expenses and debts, as well as defrauding a Mississippi bank. Avenatti is also adult star Stormy Daniels’ former attorney.

Michael Madsen Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in Malibu

Monday, March 25 (USA Today) – Michael Madsen, a 61-year-old actor who started in “Kill Bill” and “Reservoir Dogs”, was arrested Sunday after crashing his Land Rover into a pole in Malibu. After questioning Madsen, police placed him under arrest; he was released Monday morning. In 2012, he was arrested twice for alcohol-related incidents; one for suspected drunk driving on the Pacific Coast Highway and one at his Malibu home following a fight with his teenage son.

Two Officers Shot, Suspect with Sword Dead at Church of Scientology in Inglewood

Wednesday, March 27 (WJLA) – According to KABC-TV, one officer was shot in the arm and another in the hand by a suspect who entered the Church of Scientology in Inglewood with a sword and possibly a gun. The suspect, identified as an Asian male with a hooded sweatshirt, was shot by police. There were conflicting reports as to whether he was critically wounded or killed.

Woman Killed in Violent North Hollywood Suspected DUI Crash

Tuesday, March 26 (NBC Los Angeles) – One woman was killed when she was struck by a car while sitting at a bus stop Tuesday afternoon. According to authorities, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Two other people were injured and hospitalized following the three-vehicle crash at Victory Boulevard and Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. A witness said the driver of a BMW, now expected to face DUI charges, ran a red light, causing the accident.

One Killed in Crash on 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa

Wednesday, March 27 (NBC Los Angeles) – A four-vehicle crash on the northbound 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa on Wednesday resulted in one fatality. The California Highway Patrol reported that offers responded to a vehicle with its lights out near the Harbor Boulevard exit at about 4:45 a.m. All northbound lanes were closed by 5:10 a.m., three of which opened an hour later.

Renowned Aviator Killed in North County Ballooning Accident

Wednesday, March 27 (Fox 5 San Diego) – British balloonist Julian Nott, a world-record aviator, died following a ballooning accident near Warner Springs in North County on Tuesday. The accident involved an experimental balloon with cryogenic helium, designed for high-altitude flight. Prior to the crash, Nott managed to land the balloon, which he invented, but a malfunction with the basket led to severe head injuries.

Motorcyclist, 28, Dies In Crash

Monday, March 25 (Fox 5 San Diego) – A 28-year-old Escondido man died after his 2001 Kawasaki Ninja crashed in Valley Center. The motorcycle overturned at around 6:18 p.m. on the eastbound side of West Lilac Road, near Birdsong Drive, which was closed until 9:20 p.m. Ejected from the bike while traversing a curve, the rider died at the scene. He was not believed to be impaired.

Woman Accused of Starving Seniors Faces Murder Charge

Thursday, March 28 (Fox 5 San Diego) – Shirley Montano, 52, was ordered to stand trial on murder, elder abuse, kidnapping, false imprisonment, identity theft, and perjury charges related to the death of Robert Chagas, 74. If convicted, Montano could face life imprisonment. She is accused of withholding food from Chagas for several years, who died from pneumonia at Sharp Memorial Hospital on October 7, 2016, five days after being hospitalized. Montano is currently being held on $1 million bail and will be arraigned on April 11.

Share This Post!