Man Killed in Head-On Crash

Los Angeles: A Van Nuys man was killed in a head-on collision with a vehicle, which had crossed the double yellow line.

On July 24, 2007, at around 4:30 PM, 67-year-old Jin Park, a resident of Los Angeles, was driving eastbound on La Tuna Canyon Drive just west of the 210 Freeway in a 2000 Dodge Caravan.  She lost control and crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on into a 1984 brown Chevrolet pickup truck.  The pickup truck was driven by Willie Schaffer Jr., 46, traveling westbound.    

Ms. Park was transported to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition.  Mr. Schaffer Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.  A 13-year-old female passenger who was in the Dodge Caravan suffered minor injuries and was released to family members.

Officers’ preliminary investigation revealed no evidence of DUI on either driver.

The investigation is on going and anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Officer Danny Martinez, Valley Traffic Division, at 818-374-1938.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).