April 23, 2016
On Saturday, April 23, 2016, a drunk driver struck and killed a 27-year-old male bicylcist who was riding his bike east on Temple street. The press release from the LAPD reported that Sargent Padilla was on duty and saw the car racing at least 60 mph north on Burlington Ave. Before he could pull the speeding vehicle over, the car crashed into a parked car, then did a complete turnaround and ricocheted through the intersection backwards hitting a tree.
The victim was dragged 25 feet to his death before the vehicle finally came to a stop.
The driver of the car was identified as a 22-year-old resident of LA named Cruz Tzoc. He was immediately tested for driving under the influence and was found to be twice the legal alcohol limit of .08. Tzoc was arrested for DUI murder and admitted to the Metropolitan Detention Center. For this crime, he faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. California takes DUIs very seriously.
On the average, 338 deaths occur annually involving bicyclists in California. This victim was the 34th biking fatality this year and was identified as Tomas Brewer, a 26-year old resident of Califonia. Prayers are asked for his friends and family.
