1 dead, 3 hurt in Sunset-Highland crash

A 21-year-old BMW driver suspected of street racing crashed into two cars on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood before dawn Saturday, killing one motorist and critically injuring a male passenger, Los Angeles police said.

Police identified the driver Saturday night as Carlos Steven John of Los Angeles and said he had been driving under the influence of alcohol.

John has been booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $1 million, and remained in custody at a hospital where he was taken after the crash, said Officer Mike Lopez, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman.

An eyewitness saw John racing a black BMW a few blocks before the crash at Highland Avenue, police said. They are seeking the driver of the second BMW, who may face other charges, but the car is not considered a hit-and-run vehicle.

The busy intersection was partially closed through the morning as police investigated.

The 4:15 a.m. fiery crash involved three cars.

John was speeding east on Sunset in a dark gray 2004 BMW 525i just as the driver of a 2007 Infiniti westbound on Sunset began turning south onto Highland at a green light, police said.

John’s BMW collided with the right rear of the Infiniti and continued east, also hitting the front of a 2006 Saturn Ion that was also turning south behind the Infiniti.

The Infiniti burst into flames, and its male driver died at the scene, said police, who are withholding his name until relatives are notified. An unidentified male passenger in the Infiniti suffered third-degree burns and is in critical condition at a hospital.

The driver of the Saturn Ion, a 28-year-old San Fernando woman, was treated for minor scrapes.

Three fire companies and three ambulances responded, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Cecil Manresa.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact LAPD at (213) 473-0234.

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deborah.schoch@latimes.com