Fatal Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, October 2, 2000

"Fatal Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision"

San Pedro: On September 30, 2000, at approximately 4:10 AM, a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck was northbound on Cabrillo Avenue at a high rate of speed. The truck continued north past 1st Street and collided into a 1996 Mitsubishi that was westbound coming out of an alley. There were four female adults in the car and one male adult. After the collision, the two male suspects in the truck got out and ran northbound on Cabrillo and eastbound on Santa Cruz making no attempt to identify or help the badly injured occupants in the Mitsubishi.

As a result of the collision, Danielle Rose Gregorio, 18 years old, died at the scene. Trisha Mladingo, also 18 years of age, is in critical condition at Harbor General Hospital with severe internal injuries. Valerie Lozano, 18, is in serious condition at Harbor General Hospital with internal injuries and a fracture to her hip. The two other occupants in the Mitsubishi were transported to San Pedro Peninsula Hospital for treatment and then released.

The suspects were described as two male Hispanics, 18 to 25 years old, wearing dark clothing (no further). One of the suspects had a thin build while the other suspect was stocky and wearing a black Raider Jacket.

The investigation also revealed that shortly before the collision, the same suspects involved in the hit-and-run had robbed the driver of the pick-up truck at gun point and took his truck at the intersection of 19th Street and Gaffey Avenue.

South Traffic Division Detectives are asking the public’s help in solving this tragic case. Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to call Detective Bill Whittaker, South Traffic Division Detectives, at 323-290-6063 or call the South Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-485-7336.

This press release was prepared by Detective Whittaker, South Traffic Division.

For Release 5:00 pm PDT
September 30, 2000