SAN PEDRO : Separate Probe of Crash Premature, LAPD Chief Says
Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams said Thursday that any independent investigation into a deadly traffic collision involving a patrol car in San Pedro would be premature.
The parents of three boys killed in the March 27 crash called Monday for another agency to step in, saying they do not have confidence that the Los Angeles Police Department will conduct an objective and impartial probe.
At his monthly media briefing, Williams said the department will complete its investigation in a couple of weeks. So far, investigators have interviewed 40 people, he said.
“I believe, at this time, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for any type of outside investigation,” the chief said. “I think that call was premature.”
The patrol car collided with a pickup truck while the officers were rushing to aid four others who radioed for help from the scene of a disturbance at Cabrillo Beach.
According to the department, the two patrolmen were traveling with the emergency lights and siren on. But witnesses said they did not hear the siren until moments before impact. They also said the patrol car ran a red light.
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