Driver Collides With Two Vehicles and Four Pedestrians

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, November 29, 1999
On November 25, 1999, at approximately 4:50 p.m., a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of N. Main and Alameda Streets. Jose Juan Flores, 31 years of age from West Covina, was driving a 1995 Infinity 4-Dr G20 eastbound N. Main Street at a high rate of speed. At that intersection he collided with 48 year old Alvaro Cepeda, who was driving a 1988 Volvo and Linda Valentine Bachiero, who was driving a 1995 Geo Metro. Both drivers were stopped eastbound #2 lane of N. Main St. at a red tri-light signal.

Mr. Flores continued in a northeast direction on N. Main street, ran off the roadway and collided with a planter box, bus bench, and four individuals who were sitting on the bus bench. Three of the victims were identified as 37 year old Robert Lee Robinson Jr. of Bell, 44 year old Jonathon Branch of Los Angeles, and 38 year old Jim Riggins of Los Angeles. The fourth victim is an unidentified transient male black in his mid-30’s.

Status of injuries:

Victims Robinson, Branch, and the unidentified transient were all transported to USCMC hospital and treated for their injuries. Mr. Riggins was transported to Good Samaritan hospital and treated for his injuries. As of Friday, November 26, 1999, the unidentified transient is listed in severe condition due to spinal and skull fractures.

Victim Robinson complained of pain and victim Branch sustained a possible broken left hip and lacerations to his face and arms. Victim Riggins sustained contusions to his head and face.

Mr. Flores was subsequently arrested by LAPD for felony driving under the influence, 23153 (A)/VC and booked at USCMC due to injuries he sustained in the collision. For further information contact Central Traffic Division Detectives, at 213-485-3111 or Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-485-3122.

For Release 9:30 am PST
November 29, 1999