1 Dead, 6 Injured In 3-Car Crash Following Street Racing
SOUTH GATE (CBSLA.com) — One woman was killed and six people were injured in the aftermath of a street race in South Gate, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred just after midnight.
The driver of the racing vehicle, a 20-year-old, was sent to jail for several offenses, most notably vehicular manslaughter.
Police said Michael Villabos was racing his 2003 Acura at Alameda Street and Firestone Boulevard when he ran a red light at Alameda.
He crashed his Acura into a northbound 1997 Honda, driven by a 24-year-old Los Angeles woman.
She was rushed to St. Francis Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her name was not released pending notification of her next of kin.
Villalobos' also hit a third car, which had been going south on Alameda. That third vehicle, a 2008 Honda, was driven by a 50-year-old South Gate woman. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
Her two passengers, possibly her children -- a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl -- sustained minor injuries.
Villalobos suffered only moderate injuries and was transported to County USC Medical Center. His two passengers, males aged 17 and 21, were slightly injured and taken to UCLA Harbor Medical Center.
Villolobos was later arrested. He was booked for alleged street racing, reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter, said CHP Officer Monica Posada.
There was no information about the car or cars that Villalobos may have been racing just before the accident.
Officials said alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the crash.
CHP officers asked anyone with information to call the CHP's South L.A. office at (310) 516-3355.
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