The following press release was issued on May 12, 2011:
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony vehicular manslaughter charge today on the driver involved in a fatal collision that occurred in Arcadia in April. On Sunday, April 10, 2011, at about 6:40 p.m., Bowen Du, 19 years old, from Arcadia, was driving a 1997 Lexus westbound in the 600 block of Duarte Road, Arcadia, when his vehicle struck two teenage pedestrians, crossing the street in a mid-block crosswalk. Tragically, the collision took the life of one of the pedestrians. The first victim, a 16 year girl from Arcadia, was transported to Methodist Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later. The second victim, a 16 year old girl from Upland, was seriously injured and transported by Arcadia Fire Department Paramedics to a local hospital. She was treated and released on a later date.
The Arcadia Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team completed their investigation in recent days and presented the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office who filed one felony count of vehicular manslaughter on Bowen Du. A warrant in the amount of $50,000 was issued for Du, and through his attorney, arrangements have been made for Du to surrender to court.
We would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of both young victims in this case. After completing the investigation, it is our belief this collision was a tragic event that was preventable.
Our investigators have ruled out excessive speed, cell phone use, and intoxication on the part of the driver. They also confirmed that all crosswalk safety measures were in proper order and functioning at the time of this collision, with the exception of two in-ground LED lights. Evidence at the time of collision was collected and examined by Police Department personnel at the scene. The driver’s windshield was excessively dirty and results of our investigation revealed this vision obstruction, combined with the setting sun at the time of collision, played a major role in the cause of the collision.
Traffic and pedestrian safety is of paramount concern to all of us at the Arcadia Police Department. There are many facets to helping create and maintain safe streets and roadways. The Arcadia Police Department believes that it takes a rounded approach, including education, enforcement, and engineering, in promoting traffic safety. Personnel from the Department meet on a regular basis with other City personnel on the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC). Members of the committee include personnel from the City Engineering, Fire, Public Works, and Transportation Departments. The TAC takes a proactive approach to traffic issues in the City and implements change after extensive review and consideration. Pedestrian safety is a recurring topic with the TAC. Many crosswalks within the City have high-visibility signage and/or in-ground/sign-mounted flashing warning lights. The crosswalk at the scene of this collision was and is equipped with both.
Additionally, the Police Department has conducted several pedestrian stings and directed enforcement at this location and others along Duarte Road in an effort to increase awareness to safety and compliance with pedestrian related laws, on the part of both drivers and pedestrians.
The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Police Department are committed to the safe travel of all who live, work, and visit our City. We continually review traffic safety and roadway conditions so that improvements or changes can be made for the betterment of our community.
Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police
By: Tom Le Veque #376
Sergeant
Refer Case #11-1826
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