Jail Guard Killed in Traffic Accident
An off-duty state Department of Corrections guard was killed when his vehicle was broadsided by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said Sunday.
Joel Freeman, 48, was traveling north on 60th Street West at Avenue G about 10 p.m. Saturday when he was hit by a car driven by Sean Delatova, 21, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Gus Risinger.
Freeman’s 1991 GEO Metro flipped over twice, killing him instantly, Risinger said.
Freeman had just left work at the North County Department of Corrections facility in Lancaster and was on his way home, Risinger said.
Delatova, who failed to stop at a stop sign, was transported to the Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center with cuts to his arm and forehead, Risinger said.
He was booked on suspicion of felony drunk driving and could be charged with vehicular manslaughter, Risinger said. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
