High Rate of Speed Results in Fatal Traffic Collision

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, December 20, 1999

On Sunday, December 19, 1999, at approximately 2:10 A.M., a fatal traffic collision occurred on Polk Street west of San Fernando Road in the City of Sylmar.

A 1993 Ford Thunderbird, with four occupants, was traveling westbound on Polk Street at a high rate of speed. The vehicle struck a Ford Mustang parked on the south side of the street, facing eastbound. The vehicle continued westbound on Polk Street colliding with a telephone pole. Three of the occupants were ejected from the vehicle with the fourth trapped inside. LAFD personnel pronounced one of the occupants, Arturo Martinez, dead at the scene, and transported the remaining three to local hospitals. The identity of the driver has not been determined.

Valley Traffic Division Detectives are conducting the investigation. All inquiries should be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 2:55 pm PST
December 20, 1999