Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (07/11-07/17)

Pursuit Near Watts Ends in Deadly 7-Car Crash; Suspect Not Old Enough to Drive

Thursday, July 14 (CBS News) – A 7-car crash near the 105 Freeway near Watts on Thursday was caused by a stolen Kia Sportage. It was occupied by suspects who were 14- and 15-years-old, who were not old enough to drive and, according to law enforcement, were under the influence of alcohol. Alexis Covarrubias, 37, the driver of an uninvolved vehicle, was killed in the crash at the 11600 block of S. Central Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Police initially pursued the suspects due to reckless driving, and then learned the car was stolen more than a week ago. Hydraulic tools were used by Los Angeles Fire Department crews to remove the suspects from the vehicle, who were then handcuffed to gurneys and transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Deputies said the chase lasted less than a minute. The California Highway Patrol issued a Sigalert for the off ramp for several hours during the investigation

California Driver Charged with Murder After 3 Died in Crash When He Sped Away from Police

Thursday, July 14 (NBC News) – Azarie Dupree Fuller, 19, was charged with murder after driving over 100 mph, causing a crash Saturday morning that killed two teenagers and a man, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The three people killed were Dayanara Rebolledo, 14; Dominic McGinley, 17; and Gustavo Castro, 26. In addition, three other passengers including two 14-year-olds and a 17-year-old were injured in the crash. Fuller was injured and remains hospitalized.

The crash occurred at around 3:00 a.m. after Fuller stopped his Nissan Altima short behind a police car. It then made a U-turn, and the lights were turned off before it sped away, the district attorney’s office said. When police pursued, Fuller continued less than a mile before crashing into poles. All seven occupants were ejected before the car caught fire. Orange police suspect alcohol or drugs may be involved and found a suspected nitrous oxide tank and balloons.

The district attorney’s office said Fuller faces up to life in prison. He is also charged with three counts of murder, three felony counts of child endangerment by a caretaker, and a felony count of evading while driving recklessly. A misdemeanor of driving without a valid license was also charged.

Vaccines, ‘Promotoras’ Helped Close Gap in COVID-Related Deaths for California Latinos: Data 

Thursday, July 14 (NBC San Diego) – Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) data show that, in January 2021, the monthly COVID-related death rate for Latinos over 18 was 55 per 100,000, the highest of any racial or ethnic group in the state. By June 2022, the monthly COVID death rate among Latinos had fallen to about 1 per 100,000. The PPIC believes community advocates helping boost vaccine rates helped close the gap.

Community healthcare workers, known as “promotoras” in Spanish, used grassroots efforts to improve access to vaccines, tests, and healthcare in Hispanic neighborhoods in San Diego. Improvements to internet were made as well. Beatriz Nuñez, a certified community healthcare worker, commented on the challenges, saying “We don’t just have one, two vaccines, we have to [promote] the booster and people ask why.”

The California Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the latest vaccination rates. For Hispanics 18 to 49, the vaccination rate is 62.1%. For Latinos 50 and over, it is about 70%.