LOS ANGELES : CHP Says Evidence Lacking for Charges in Fatal Crash

The California Highway Patrol said Thursday it lacks the evidence to seek charges in the deaths of four members of a Gardena family whose car swerved to avoid racing motorists.

But it said the case will remain under investigation and said it could request criminal charges later.

A 17-year-old boy from Glassell Park drove one of the cars allegedly involved in the race and another driver fled the scene, a CHP spokesman said.

“In some people’s minds he may be liable, but there’s more to this case than meets the eye,” CHP Officer Dwight McDonald said. “We’ve got to get all of our ducks in a row in this case.”

Prosecutors said evidence must show that the boy violated the law and in doing so caused the deadly crash. The boy, who has not been identified because he is a minor, told officers he was racing another car on the San Diego Freeway. The other motorist could face hit-and-run charges, McDonald said.

The collision occurred Sunday when the Davalos family was passed by a speeding car, driven by the 17-year-old. The car struck a freeway divider and bounced off in the direction of the Davalos’ car. When the Davalos’ car swerved out of the way, it hit a median, flipped over and slid across the highway. The car struck a wall and burst into flames, killing all of its occupants.