Sheriff’s Deputy’s Car Kills 17-Year-Old

A 17-year-old boy crossing Pearblossom Highway against a red light was struck and killed Friday by a car driven by an off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, authorities said.

The unidentified youth was hit by a Ford Aspire driven by Richard Bojorquez, 30, of Palmdale, a deputy with the East Los Angeles station who was returning home when the 4:20 a.m. accident occurred at Barrel Springs Road, authorities said.

Bojorquez, who was not injured, “apparently failed to see the pedestrian while entering the intersection on a green light,” said Deputy Mike Rice of the Palmdale station. The youth was wearing a black shirt and black pants, Rice said.

The victim was apparently following a female companion who had just crossed the street moments before the accident, Rice said. The woman was identified as Kimberly Chandler, 19, of Lake Los Angeles.

Chandler told investigators she never saw the Aspire until her friend was hit and could not say what color the signal was as he crossed the street, Rice said.

A motorist who witnessed the accident told police Bojorquez had the right of way, Rice said.

Rice said there was no evidence that alcohol, drugs or speeding played a role in the accident, which remained under investigation. No charges were filed against Bojorquez.

The victim was not carrying identification, Rice said.