This Week In The News (09/30-10/04)

West Covina Hit-and-Run: Surveillance Footage Shows Driver Back Up Into Woman Before Taking Off

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (ABC 7 Los Angeles) – Yes another hit and run incident in West Covina. The LAPD is asking the public to help identify the driver of a white pickup that was seen on surveillance backing up and hitting a woman in the parking lot of a Circle K. The suspect is seen running the victim over, then opening his/her car door to look back at the victim, only to subsequently drive off. The extent of the victim’s injuries is still unknown. 

11-Year Buena Park Police Veteran Killed in Crash on The Way Home After Completing His Shift

Monday, September 30, 2019 (Fox 11 Los Angeles) – Buena Park Police Department are mourning the loss of one of their own. Officer Art Brice was killed in a traffic accident on Saturday while on his way home from his shift. An 11-year veteran of the police force, Brice was part of the Buena Park gang unit and served as a member of the color guard. Art Brice is remembered as being a warm soul that enjoyed talking about his 8-month-old granddaughter. Details regarding the crash, or if anyone else was injured, were not immediately available. “Please keep Officer Brice’s family in your prayers. We thank the community and allied agencies who have reached out and offered support,” the department added.

8 People Injured Following Multi-Car Crash in Perris 

Wednesday, October 2, 2019 (Fox 11 Los Angeles) – Riverside Sheriff’s Department is investigating a multi-car collision that resulted in eight people being rushed to local hospitals with moderate injuries. At least one of the vehicles crashed into a nearby building. The accident happened shortly after 5 p.m. in the 200 block of W. 4th Street in Perris.  

8-Year-Old Killed, 2 Others Seriously Injured After Car Crashes Into Them on Way to School

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 (Fox 11 Los Angeles) – A woman, her 9-year-old daughter, and their 8-year-old neighbor were hit by a vehicle while crossing across Cooper Road on the way to school Monday morning, Oxnard police say. The crash occurred around 7:40 a.m., and resulted in the death of 8-year-old boy and seriously injuring the mother and daughter. The driver of the vehicle was a 17-year-old female. Police do not think that drugs or alcohol were to blame. Locals and witnesses all claim that the sun may have played a factor in driver not being able to see the pedestrians. The teen driver stayed on scene and cooperated with police. The two children involved in the collision were students at nearby Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School. 

No charges have been filed against the teen driver.

Los Angeles Officials Move to Aid Homeless by Dismissing More Than 1 Million Minor Infractions

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (KABC) – In an effort to relieve the strain on the backed up court system, several of Los Angeles’ top public safety officials announced that they would be absolving minor offenses that took place over 5 years ago. The motion will apply to “uncollectible, minor citations” and nonviolent infractions. “This reprieve will help individuals struggling with homelessness and other types of economic challenges,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey. “Most importantly, we hope to make an impact that benefits the court and allows us all to reallocate limited resources.”

Mayo Clinic Believes They Have Found Out Why People Are Getting Sick — And Some Dying — From Vaping

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (CBSLA) – After studying 17 different biopsies that were taken from people that developed lung injuries, the Mayo Clinic thinks it can pinpoint the reason why so many have been getting ill, or even dying, from vaping. It was once believed that the problem stemmed from the accumulation of mineral oil being inhaled, but the Mayo Clinic is now suggesting that the injuries to patients’ lungs fall more in line with toxic chemical burns. Seven people have been hospitalized in Riverside County with vaping-related lung illnesses. Doctors recommend that anyone that hasn’t started vaping yet, to steer clear. 

Boyle Heights Altercation Between Uber Driver, Grandmother Over Car Seat Ends in Stabbing

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (KCAL 9) – An Uber driver is now facing assault with a deadly weapon charges after stabbing a grandmother over an argument about a car seat. According to the LAPD, the Uber driver refused to transport the grandmother and her granddaughter when it was revealed the passengers didn’t have a car seat. The grandmother became upset and began hitting the Uber driver with her purse. The driver responded by stabbing the woman in the stomach. When a passerby intervened, they were also cut on the ankle while trying to help. The Uber driver was identified as 21-year-old Alexis Leiva, who was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Lawyers for Las Vegas Shooting Victims Say Settlement for Up to $800M Reached With MGM Resorts

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (KTLA 5) – In a landmark settlement, victims of a mass shooting will be awarded damages. This is a first for incidents of this nature. Two years after a shooter forever impacted the lives of country music fans, the owners of The Mandalay Bay Resorts, MGM Resorts International, has agreed to pay up to $800 million to the 58 families of the people who died, and the hundreds of others that were injured in the tragedy. Victims placed the blame on the casino, stating that MGM failed to protect the 22,000 people there for a concert on the hotel premises. “There’s some good that comes from it: It will help give families closure and alleviates their ongoing medical costs,” she said. “But there’s no amount of money I would take to not get my husband back.”

Los Angeles Lakers: Five Way-Too-Early Midseason Trade Targets to Watch

Thursday, October 3, 2019 (LA Sports Hub) – Despite waiting for Kawhi Leonard to eventually sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to assemble a roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis that is mighty enough to win a championship. The Lakers brought back the likes of JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso while also bringing in a huge three and D guy with experience, Danny Green. This roster seems solid but there is not a chance that it is the roster that finishes the season. Whether it is from disappointing play or someone getting hurt, the Los Angeles Lakers are inevitably going to look to add at the trade deadline.