Longtime Aide To Councilman Richard Alarcon Charged With Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — An aide to L.A. City Councilman Richard Alarcon has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after he allegedly struck and killed a transient, authorities announced Friday.
On March 14, Manuel Figueras was driving a city-owned Toyota Prius in North Hollywood when he fatally struck 55-year-old Gary Woodford, according to the District Attorney's Office. Figueras' car hit Woodford while he was crossing Vineland Avenue at Erwin Street at about 7:35 p.m., police reported.
County prosecutors described Woodford as a transient, but the Daily News, citing an obituary notice published in Ohio, reported that Woodford was a North Hollywood resident and worked as a foreman at C&S Propeller in Burbank.
The 50-year-old aide is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 17 at the Van Nuys Superior Court, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said they will ask bail to be set at $25,000.
Alarcon said he received word of the charge.
"I would again like to express my deep condolences to the family and friends of Gary Woodford, who died as a result of this accident," Alarcon said, according to City News Service.
"As Manny's boss and friend, I can attest that he is beloved by the community. Manny has served the people of the Northeast San Fernando Valley for nearly 20 years with distinction, compassion and concern," he said. "Without further information, I view this as a tragic accident and I am deeply saddened for all involved."
