Man Arrested After Woman Dies in Crash NR14396an

Sunland:  Los Angeles Police arrested a man for second degree murder following fatal traffic collision on Sunland Boulevard early this morning.

On Friday, October 24th, 2014 around 12:20 a.m., officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision which occurred on Sunland Boulevard, near the intersection of La Canada Way, in the community of Sunland.  According to witnesses, the driver of a 2010 black Nissan 370z, was driving eastbound on Sunland Boulevard at a high rate of speed.  A second vehicle described as a 2011 black Infinity G37 was also driving eastbound on Sunland when it crashed near La Canada Way.  The sole occupant of the Infinity was a woman who died at scene following the single vehicle collision.  

Valley Traffic Division investigators responded to the scene and investigated the fatal collision.  Based upon the circumstances of the collision and details of the investigation, it was determined that the driver of the black Nissan 370z contributed to the cause of the collision which resulted in the woman’s death.  

Investigators arrested the driver of the black Nissan 370z, who has been identified as Luis Tapia who is a 28 year-old resident of Sunland.  Tapia was booked for Penal Code Section 187a, Murder-Second Degree.  Tapia was booked into the Van Nuys Jail and his bail was set at one million dollars.  The investigation is ongoing and the Valley Traffic Detectives are looking for additional witnesses who may have information about this incident.

Anyone with information or questions is asked to contact Officer Brandon Tepper, Valley Traffic Detectives, at 818-644-8036 or (818) 644-8020. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-818-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.†Tipsters may also go to LAPDonline.org click on “webtips†and follow the prompts.