Spectator Killed at Illegal Drag Race
A spectator at an illegal drag race in Palmdale was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said Sunday.
Joseph James D’Agostino, 22, of Palmdale was walking east on Avenue F near 10th Street East--an isolated stretch near Lancaster--when he was struck about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ken Lane.
Juan Mosqueda, 51, also of Palmdale, was booked on suspicion of vehicular homicide at the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lancaster station, where he was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, Lane said.
Mosqueda was not involved in the race but was returning home from a bar when he allegedly ran over the victim, who had been watching it, Lane said. Mosqueda attempted to flee but crashed and was held by the witnesses until CHP units arrived minutes later to make the arrest, Lane said.
Investigators said Mosqueda had been drinking, and were awaiting the results of blood-alcohol tests.
Mosqueda suffered minor abrasions and was treated at Antelope Valley Hospital before being booked at the Lancaster jail, CHP Officer Garry Goldenberg said.
None of the drag racers were arrested, Goldenberg said.
The victim’s name was not immediately available.
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