Hit and Run Driver Arrested

 
Los Angeles: On June 10, 2002, at approximately 7:20 P. M., Marcos E. Salaman, a 55 year-old resident of Casselberry, Florida, was driving his 1994 Toyota north on Highland Avenue in congested traffic. For no apparent reason Mr. Salaman crossed over the southbound lanes of traffic on Highland Avenue and drove onto the west sidewalk on Highland Avenue. Mr. Salaman drove north on the sidewalk colliding with two pedestrians who were standing on the sidewalk behind a bus bench and severed two telephone booths. The force of the impact caused the Toyota’s front air bags to deploy and the vehicle became disabled on the sidewalk.
A police patrol unit driving by the location was flagged down by witnesses to the accident. The witnesses directed the officers to Mr. Salomon who, by then, had staggered out of his disabled car and to a nearby parking lot. As the officers approached the suspect he collapsed to the ground and began screaming uncontrollably.
The pedestrians were described as a 22-year-old female and her 51-year-old mother, both residents of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the victims to Cedar Sinai Hospital, where they were admitted. The daughter was declared brain dead and is being kept alive for organ donation. The mother is listed in serious condition.
Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the suspect to USC-Medical Center. Salaman was booked for 192c1 P.C. Felony Manslaughter with Gross Negligence.
West Traffic Division Detective A. Lee is conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Lee at 213-473-0234. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.