Motorist who Hit and Killed Pedestrian Detained

September 28, 2009

Los Angeles - A male driver who allegedly struck a pedestrian in Woodland Hills while being chased by police was eventually arrested, charged, and detained.

According to Los Angeles police spokeswoman Officer Norma Eisenman, Hector Vidal, 26, was driving his 2002 Cadillac eastbound on Ventura (101) Freeway when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer tried to stop him due to a vehicle code violation at Parkway Calabasas.

However, instead of pulling over, the driver sped off and the CHP officer chased after him.

Eisenman said Vidal left the freeway at the Topanga Canyon exit and drove east on Ventura Boulevard. He then struck a pedestrian after making a U-turn and speeding west at Don Pio Drive

He sped off leaving the pedestrian dead at the scene.

Fox 11 reported that the male pedestrian was in his 60’s.His name was withheld by the authorities.

According to Eisenman, the driver opened fire “and an officer-involved shooting occurred.”

Neither the officer nor the driver was injured.

Before coming to a stop near 101 freeway, he rear ended a SUV with four occupants around two miles west on Ventura Boulevard, said Eisenman.

According to Fox 11, the SWAT team had to use a stun gun just to get him into its custody.

He was treated at a hospital before being booked in the Van Nuys Jail. He is being detained without bail and will possibly be charged with murder, said Eisenman.