Boy Allegedly Fleeing Burglary in Stolen Truck Crashes; 2 Die

A pedestrian and a motorcyclist were killed and another driver was injured Friday night in South-Central Los Angeles when a 15-year-old boy fleeing a burglary in a stolen pickup truck careened into them, police said.

Officer Richard Jaros said the youth, who was not identified because of his age, allegedly stole a truck to flee from a burglary at the Central Glass Co., 5886 S. Central Ave., shortly before 9:30 p.m.

The teen-ager, who police said was intoxicated, struck several parked cars on Central between Slauson Avenue and 52nd Street before colliding with the pedestrian and the motorcyclist.

Richie Lee Sparks, 30, of Los Angeles was crossing Central Avenue at 56th Street when he was struck by the truck. He was dragged 263 feet and died at 9:48 p.m., police said.

Motorcyclist Maximo Roacha, 22, of Huntington Park was hit at 54th Street and Central and thrown under a parked car, which caught on fire. He was taken to Century Community Hospital, where he died.

The chain of accidents ended when the pickup truck slammed head on into a car driven by Joe Barron, 76, of San Gabriel. Barron was reported in good condition at Century Community Hospital.

Jaros said the boy driving the pickup was treated for minor injuries and sent to Juvenile Hall. He will be booked on suspicion of murder, felony drunk driving, driving without a license, felony hit-and-run driving, burglary and auto theft.