Driver Arrested After Crash Kills Hitchhiker

A Topanga woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and drunk driving in the death of a hitchhiker who she said made sexual advances toward her, forcing her car off the road and into a creek, the California Highway Patrol said Saturday.

Cathy A. Horton, 23, told investigators she picked up Michael Childs, 30, of Topanga, on Topanga Canyon Boulevard late Friday night, Officer Manny Avila said.

Horton told officers she was driving north near Highvale Terrace when Childs began making advances, Avila said. She said she tried to fend him off but Childs grabbed the steering wheel, causing her to lose control, the officer said.

Avila said Childs was thrown from the car into Topanga Creek and the car came to rest on top of him. Investigators have not determined whether Childs drowned or died from injuries suffered in the crash, Avila said.

Horton, who suffered minor injuries, was booked at Sybil Brand Institute for Women, he said.