LAPD officer and passenger fatally struck by alleged drunk driver in Northridge.
NORTHRIDGE Tragedy: Off-Duty LAPD Officer and Passenger Killed in High-Speed Crash
In a devastating incident that unfolded in Northridge, California, an off-duty Los Angeles police officer and his front-seat passenger lost their lives on Saturday morning. The fatal collision was caused by a reckless driver who ran a red light at a staggering speed of over 100 mph, according to authorities.
The officer, identified as Darrell Cunningham, was tragically killed in the crash, as confirmed by Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore during a press conference held in front of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The 20-year-old driver of the black BMW responsible for the collision was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. Chief Moore also revealed that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Additionally, an off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy, who was a passenger in the back seat of the officer’s vehicle, sustained injuries in the crash.
The collision scene, located near the intersection of 18101 W. Roscoe Blvd. and Lindley Avenue, presented a chaotic scene with three individuals trapped inside the vehicles, one car lodged against a building, and a damaged fire hydrant, as reported by Margaret Stewart, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
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According to Chief Moore, Mr. Cunningham was driving his white Infinity northbound on Lindley Avenue with two other occupants when the BMW, which had run a red light, collided with their vehicle.
Tragically, Mr. Cunningham and his front-seat passenger were pronounced dead at the scene by LAFD paramedics. However, a woman inside the BMW managed to free herself from the wreckage, albeit with serious injuries.
“Due to the force and extent of the damage caused by this horrific collision, all other individuals involved were trapped,” stated Chief Moore.
Firefighters worked diligently to extricate the trapped victims and transport them to a nearby hospital. The 20-year-old driver of the BMW was unconscious and listed in critical condition, according to Mr. Moore.
Visiting the off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy at the hospital, Chief Moore revealed that the deputy had suffered a broken hip and other serious injuries. However, it was expected that he would survive.
The driver of the BMW was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, with the possibility of additional charges pending as further evidence is gathered, Chief Moore explained.
Mr. Cunningham, who had served nearly five years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), leaves behind a fiancée, a 3-year-old son, and a 6-year-old son. He was stationed at the LAPD’s West Los Angeles station.
“We mourn the loss of Officer Darrell Cunningham, who was killed alongside his friend by the senseless violence of a DUI driver. May God welcome him home,” Mr. Moore posted on X. ”We will do everything possible to support his fiancée, two young boys, mother, and two brothers.”
Chief Moore later authorized the wearing of mourning bands in honor of Mr. Cunningham.
“The investigation is being handled by the Department’s Multi-Disciplinary Collision Investigation Team,” the LAPD announced.
What are the initial findings of the investigation regarding the cause of the collision involving the black BMW and the officer’s vehicle?
To witnesses at the scene, the black BMW was traveling eastbound on Roscoe Boulevard at an extremely high speed when it ran a red light and collided with the officer’s vehicle, which was traveling northbound on Lindley Avenue.
The impact of the collision was so severe that it caused both vehicles to spin out of control and resulted in extensive damage to the cars as well as surrounding property. The force of the crash was amplified by the fact that the BMW crashed into a building and knocked over a fire hydrant.
Emergency responders from the LAFD arrived at the scene within minutes to extricate the trapped individuals from the wreckage. Despite their best efforts, Officer Cunningham and his front-seat passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The off-duty sheriff’s deputy, who was seated in the back of the officer’s vehicle, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Chief Moore expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and stated that the Los Angeles Police Department will be providing support to all those affected by this tragic incident.
The 20-year-old driver of the BMW was arrested at the scene on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. Authorities also suspect that alcohol played a role in the crash, as the driver exhibited signs of impairment. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed based on the findings.
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have. It is a somber reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face even when they are off-duty, as they continue to serve and protect their communities.
The loss of Officer Cunningham and his passenger is deeply felt by the entire law enforcement community, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. It serves as a solemn reminder of the dedication and bravery exhibited by police officers who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, it is our hope that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In memory of Officer Cunningham and his passenger, let us reinforce our commitment to promoting safe driving practices and supporting those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve. May their souls rest in peace.
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