SIMI VALLEY : Police Seek Charges in Fatal Accident
Responding to the death of a 13-year-old bicyclist, Simi Valley police say they plan to ask the district attorney’s office to file misdemeanor manslaughter charges against the driver accused of striking the boy with her car.
Travis Peterson of Simi Valley died at 10:40 p.m. Sunday at Simi Valley Hospital, authorities said. His death was caused by head injuries resulting from Friday’s accident, Deputy Coroner Mitch Breese said.
Simi Valley Police Sgt. Jeff Malgren said Monday that the driver, Penelope Reeps, 64, faces misdemeanor manslaughter charges. He said she is suspected of failing to stop for another vehicle that did stop for the bicyclist and of driving at a speed unsafe for the conditions.
The accident occurred Friday at Erringer Road and Elizondo Street. Travis was wearing a hockey helmet that fell off his head before he hit the ground, officials said.
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