(January 30, 2006) -- In a horrible Sunday night crash, LBPD says a car driven by a 17 year-old LB resident at a high rate speed was headed north on Cherry Ave. approaching Del Amo. Blvd., went out of control, crossed the raised center median, became airborne and crashed head-on into a car travelling southbound on Cherry Ave. driven by Francisco Lopez Mejia, 59, of LB.
Mr. Mejia was extricated from his vehicle (a 2001 Honda Accord), transported to a local hospital but did not survive.
The 17 year-old driver of the airborne vehicle (a 2001 red Mustang convertible) was ejected, treated at the scene and hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries.
The teen has been charged with vehicular manslaugher. LBPD alleges alcohol may be a factor and further alleges the teen was driving without a valid driver's license or insurance.
The accident remains under investigation and LBPD asks anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Accident Investigations Detective Ray Dennison at (562) 570-7132.
