Fatal Collision Captured on Video: LAPD Involved in Skateboarder’s Death

Police Release Video of Fatal Crash Involving Skateboarder in Highland Park

November 5, 2024

Los Angeles police Department officials have publicly released video footage documenting a tragic incident where a police cruiser struck and killed a skateboarder in the Highland Park neighborhood.The deceased has been identified as Gerardo “Jerry” Estrada, and the event took place on September 19th and remains the subject of an active investigation.

Details of the Incident

According to Captain Mike Bland, a department spokesperson, the officer involved was responding to an emergency call in the vicinity of Piedmont Avenue at approximately 7:15 p.m. The officer was traveling north on Figueroa Street to assist in establishing a security perimeter while searching for a suspect with an outstanding felony warrant. The patrol car was utilizing both its siren and emergency lights at the time of the collision.

Dashcam footage from the police vehicle shows the cruiser maneuvering through traffic on Figueroa Street, at times driving on the opposite side of the road to circumvent congestion at red lights. The audible sound of sirens accompanies the video. As the vehicle approached an intersection, it veered towards the center median.

Estrada was observed on a skateboard in the median.He dismounted the skateboard and briefly raised his hands before being struck by the approaching police vehicle. Officers immediately exited the vehicle and discovered Estrada pinned under a parked car.

first responders arrived at the scene and attempted to provide aid,but Estrada was pronounced dead at the location of the accident. the officers expressed immediate shock and concern following the impact, with exclamations captured by the vehicleS audio recording system.

Witness Accounts and Initial Reactions

Body camera footage released alongside the dashcam video reveals that the incident unfolded near a carnival, prompting reactions from onlookers. Witnesses were heard urging officers to take action as they realized the severity of the situation. “Do something, there’s somebody f- dying!” one bystander exclaimed.

The mother of the deceased, Rosa Casares, shared with KTLA that her son was on his way home from work at the time of the incident. She described him as “a wonderful kid,” highlighting the devastating loss.

Ongoing Investigation

Captain Bland stated that the investigation is ongoing and could perhaps span several months. The identities of the officers involved have not yet been publicly released. Authorities are meticulously reviewing all available evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Date of Incident	Location	Deceased	Responding agency
September 19th	Highland Park, Los Angeles	Gerardo “Jerry” Estrada	Los Angeles Police Department

Did You Know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 42,795 traffic fatalities in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous year, but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

do you think increased training for emergency vehicle operators could help prevent similar tragedies? What role does public accountability play in these situations?

Understanding Police Pursuit Policies

Incidents involving police vehicles and civilian injuries often raise questions about pursuit policies and emergency response protocols. Law enforcement agencies across the country are continually evaluating and refining these strategies to balance the need for swift response with the safety of the public.Factors considered include the severity of the underlying crime, potential risks to officers and bystanders, and departmental guidelines regarding the use of sirens and emergency lights.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself in the vicinity of an emergency vehicle with active sirens and lights,it’s crucial to exercise caution,yield the right-of-way,and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid making sudden movements and remain vigilant.

Frequently Asked Questions about police Involved Accidents

What is the typical process following a police-involved accident?

Typically, an internal investigation is launched, and frequently enough an independent review is conducted to assess the circumstances and determine accountability.

Are police officers held to a different standard in traffic accidents?

While officers are expected to follow traffic laws, they may have exceptions when responding to emergencies, but they are still expected to operate with due regard for safety.

What legal recourse do families have after a fatal police-involved incident?

Families may pursue civil lawsuits seeking compensation for damages, but proving negligence can be complex.

How often do police pursuits result in civilian injuries?

Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates several thousand injuries occur annually as a result of police pursuits,though exact figures vary.

What factors contribute to accidents during emergency responses?

Factors include high speeds, challenging road conditions, traffic congestion, and the urgency of the situation.

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What potential liabilities does the LAPD face given the available video evidence and past cases of similar incidents?

The Incident & Initial Reports

on November 4th, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in the downtown Los Angeles area, resulting in the death of a skateboarder following a collision with a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) vehicle.Graphic video footage, widely circulated on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, appears to show the collision and its immediate aftermath. The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 PM PST near the intersection of 6th and Spring streets. Initial reports indicate the skateboarder was traveling southbound on Spring Street when the collision occurred.

The LAPD has confirmed the involvement of one of their patrol vehicles. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a full investigation. The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Ethan Reyes, a resident of Los Angeles. This case is drawing significant attention due to the readily available video evidence and raising questions about police conduct and pedestrian/skateboarder safety. Keywords related to this event include: LAPD collision, skateboarder death, police involved fatality, Los Angeles accident, fatal police chase (though initial reports do not indicate a chase was underway).

Analyzing the Video Evidence

The video, which has been viewed millions of times, is currently being analyzed by investigators. Key aspects under scrutiny include:

* Speed of the LAPD Vehicle: Determining if the officer was operating the vehicle within legal speed limits and adhering to departmental guidelines.

* Visibility Conditions: Assessing the lighting and weather conditions at the time of the incident. Reports indicate clear weather, but street lighting in the area is reportedly inconsistent.

* Skateboarder’s actions: examining the skateboarder’s trajectory and whether any actions contributed to the collision.

* Officer’s Reaction Time: Evaluating the officer’s attempt to avoid the collision, if any.

* Presence of Sirens/Emergency Lights: Determining if the police vehicle was utilizing sirens or emergency lights prior to the impact.

Autonomous forensic video analysts are also reviewing the footage to provide an unbiased assessment. This analysis is crucial for establishing a clear timeline of events and determining liability. Related search terms include: police dashcam footage, accident reconstruction, video forensics, witness testimony.

LAPD Statement & Ongoing Investigation

The LAPD has released a brief statement expressing condolences to the Reyes family and pledging full cooperation with the investigation. The statement emphasizes the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability. However, details remain scarce as the investigation is ongoing.

The investigation is being led by the LAPD’s Internal Affairs Group, with oversight from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Key investigative steps include:

1. Witness Interviews: Canvassing the area for witnesses who may have observed the incident.
2. Vehicle Examination: A thorough inspection of the LAPD vehicle to identify any mechanical issues.
3. Officer Interview: A formal interview with the officer involved, conducted with legal representation present.
4. Review of Body-Worn Camera Footage: Examination of any available body-worn camera footage from the officer and other responding units.
5. Traffic Data Analysis: Reviewing traffic camera footage and data from the area.

The District Attorney’s office will ultimately determine whether any criminal charges are warranted. Keywords: police investigation, internal affairs, LAPD transparency, criminal charges, police accountability.

Legal Considerations & Potential Lawsuits

The Reyes family has retained legal counsel and is expected to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the LAPD. Potential legal claims include:

* Negligence: Alleging that the officer acted negligently in operating the vehicle, resulting in the skateboarder’s death.

* Excessive Speed: Claiming the officer was traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions.

* Failure to Yield: Asserting the officer failed to yield the right-of-way to the skateboarder.

Successful wrongful death lawsuits can result in significant financial settlements to compensate the family for their loss, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of future earnings. Related terms: wrongful death lawsuit, police brutality, civil rights violations, negligence claim, legal representation.

Similar Cases & Precedents

This incident echoes several past cases involving collisions between law enforcement vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists.

* 2018 – San Diego: A cyclist was seriously injured after being struck by an SDPD vehicle during a training exercise. The city settled the resulting lawsuit for $3.5 million.

* 2020 – New York City: A pedestrian was killed after being hit by an NYPD vehicle responding to a non-emergency call. The case sparked protests and calls for police reform.

* 2022 – Chicago: A teenager was injured after being struck by a CPD vehicle while crossing the street. the incident led to a review of police driving policies.

These cases highlight the importance of rigorous police training, adherence to traffic laws, and accountability for officers involved in collisions. Keywords: *