Man Charged in Chase, Crash That Injured Infant
A 26-year-old Pacoima man was charged Thursday with assault with a deadly weapon, evading police and drunk driving in connection with a police chase and car crash that resulted in a 3-week-old boy losing his left arm.
The infant, Harley Medellin of Arleta, remained in serious condition at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles after surgery Wednesday on the remaining portion of his arm, Dr. James Stein said at a hospital news conference.
Harley’s arm was shredded above the elbow when his parents’ sport utility vehicle was sideswiped during a high-speed pursuit Tuesday afternoon in Sylmar. Los Angeles police were chasing a car that matched the description of a vehicle driven by men sought in a stabbing.
Police arrested Alejandro Martinez on Tuesday at the scene of crash. He pleaded not guilty Thursday to the five felony counts in Superior Court in San Fernando and is being held on $180,000 bail. He faces 11 years in state prison.
Los Angeles attorney Stephen C. Mancini, who was retained by Harley’s parents, said he is exploring whether to file a civil lawsuit against the Los Angeles police or others.
Mancini said Harley’s parents, newlyweds Victoria and Henry Medellin, have been at their newborn’s bedside since they were treated for minor crash-related injuries.
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Donations may be sent to the Harley Medellin Fund, c/o Koletsky, Mancini, Feldman & Morrow, 3460 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.
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