Fatal Crash Suspect Charged After Release from Hospital

August 20, 2008

WHITTIER - The California Highway Patrol has announced that the driver of the 1941 DeSoto involved in a fatal crash last month has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, following his release from the hospital.

According to sheriff's booking records, the suspect, Joshua Herrera, 25, of Commerce was being held at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles after posting a bail of $200,000. The suspect will be arraigned at Whittier Superior Court.

The suspect is also charged on suspicion of driving under the influence causing death.

He was injured in the crash and being treated at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood under guard by the CHP before the charges were brought up.

According to police records, the accident happened July 230 at Slauson and Sal avenues where a 23-year only man was killed.

Witnesses said the suspect, who was driving a DeSoto, was traveling about 50 to 60 mph when it struck the left side of the other vehicle, an Oldsmobile. A bystander was hit and died at the scene.

The suspect’s injuries included broken ribs and a punctured lung. The driver of the other vehicle and the three passengers also suffered injuries.