This Week In The News (08/26/19-08/30/19)

Injured Driver, City of LA Want Inglewood to Pay for Damage Caused by Mayor’s Crash

Friday, August 30, 2019 (KTLA 5) – 2 people lost their lives in a high speed pursuit last night in La Verne, CA. An unidentified driver of an Acura decided not to adhere to a routine traffic stop and evaded police. The chase was short-lived and only lasted about 20 seconds, but at the end of that 20 seconds, there were 2 dead and 3 other passengers critically injured. The passengers in both cars survived but were taken to local hospitals where they were placed in critical condition. It is unclear why the driver of the Acura decided to flee police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department at 909-596-1913 and reference report #190801729.

Uber Driver Bitten, Attacked by Woman on Street

Thursday, August 29, 2019 (Fox 11 Los Angeles) – A bizarre altercation took place on the streets of Atlanta last week. Police have detained a woman for beating, biting and terrorizing an Uber driver as he was dropping off another passenger in Midtown. According to the victim, the woman seemingly came out of nowhere and jumped on the hood of his car, threatened to kill him, tried to get in the driver’s seat of his car and then violently bit him on his side. “The pain, I said, “God, just let her take my flesh, I don’t care,” said the victim. “I want her to go away from me.”

Construction Worker Dies After Steel Plate Lands on Him on Disneyland Property

Thursday, August 29, 2019 (KTLA 5) – A man, that his sister-in-law later identified as Javier Jimenez, was killed on Thursday after a steel plate landed on his head while working on a construction site at a Disney property. Anaheim Fire Department responded to the incident around 3:19AM. It was Javier’s first day on the job. After being knocked out, the worker landed in a trench and later was pronounced dead. It is unclear why or how the plate came loose and landed on Jimenez’s head, or why he wasn’t wearing proper safety gear. Disneyland Resort issued a statement regarding the incident. “We are saddened by this tragic accident involving a contractor and on behalf of Disneyland Resort extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Jimenez’s family, friends and coworkers.”

L.A. Moves a Step Closer to Allowing Police to Remove People from High-Risk Fire Zones

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 (Los Angeles Daily News) – On Wednesday Los Angeles city council members moved a step closer to giving authority to police and fire rescue to remove homeless people from any areas that are in high risk for brush fires or are in fire zones. “The implications … are dire in fire zones, particularly on red-flag days,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee and co-authored the proposal with Councilman Bob Blumenfield. “There are inherent threats that we must mitigate and provide safety for all individuals.” These zones will be marked off-limits, and as soon as the ordinance is finally passed, authorities are allowed to remove any people inhabiting these public spaces for their safety. 

Murrieta House Explosion: Father Seeks Answers After Son Suffers Severe Injuries Following Gas Leak

Monday, August 26, 2019 (ABC 7 Los Angeles) – In July a gas leak explosion killed one gas company employee and injured 15 others. Now a surviving victim’s father wants some answers. Clay Borel’s son, Anthony, suffered injuries as a result of the explosion which will negatively impact his quality of life moving forward. The injuries are so extensive that the 24-year-old victim can’t even remember what happened that day. “He was in pretty bad shape,” the father said. “I could see the cuts, and his head, and his face, legs, burned real bad on his arms, legs and face. The doctor came in and told me they were going to have to drill three holes in his head,” he recalled.

Arrest Warrant Issued for DeMarcus Cousins Over Threatening Audio Clip

Thursday, August 29, 2019 (KCAL 9 Los Angeles) – Los Angeles Lakers DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins was charged with one count of domestic violence in the 3rd degree for harassing communications, which is a misdemeanor. In the audio obtained by TMZ Tuesday, a man is heard telling a woman over the phone, “I’m gonna make sure I put a bullet in your f—— head.” The woman in the audio clip is apparently Cousins’ ex-girlfriend and took place the day before he married, then girlfriend, Morgan Lang. The Lakers released the following statement Tuesday: “We are aware of the allegation involving DeMarcus Cousins, and, of course, take this claim seriously. We are in the process of gathering information and will reserve further comment at this time.”

SoCal Drivers Spend 119 Hours Each Year in Traffic, Study Finds

Friday, August 30, 2019 (ABC 7 Los Angeles) – It is no mystery that Los Angeles County, and even Orange County, has some of the worst traffic in the country. So when new research surfaced that drivers spend an average of 119 a year caught up in traffic jams and traffic related delays, it wasn’t a shock. Texas A&M Transportation Institute ranked LA #1 for wasted hours on the road. 

2 Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested After Dangerous Chase from East LA to Bell Gardens

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 (ABC 7 Los Angeles) – Two suspects led police on a lengthy high speed chase that ended peacefully in Bell Gardens on Wednesday. A male and female robbery suspects were seen throwing unidentified objects from the car as they weaved in and out of several neighborhoods. The two suspects bailed from the car and fled in different directions, only later meeting up under a tree to chat before being apprehended by police without further complications.