Coroner Says Injuries Did Not Kill Suspect
- Share via
The Los Angeles County coroner’s office has determined that a driver who fled police and was forcibly removed by neighbors did not die of those injuries, but the cause of David Elliott’s death still has not been determined.
Elliott, 31, who police said was high on drugs, took off into the neighborhood after they tried to stop him for erratic driving near the West Valley police station on Vanowen Street.
Elliott ran to a nearby house where frightened residents probably hit him and carried him out of their house, police and coroner’s officials said.
But Craig Harvey, a coroner’s spokesman, said the injuries to Elliott’s head and legs were not life-threatening.
Toxicology tests are being conducted and results probably will take about four weeks, Harvey said.
Police investigators said that Elliott was apparently on drugs and that he made irrational statements and even bit one of the officers while they were trying to take him by ambulance to a hospital.
Police said his head was bleeding profusely; Elliott died at the hospital.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
