Suspect in crash that hurt family, killed dog had suspended license

A woman suspected of driving her SUV into a South Pasadena family out for a evening stroll and then fleeing the scene had her license suspended more than two years ago, DMV records show.

Tiffani Monique Lowden, 38, of Whittier had her license suspended Sept. 29, 2012, for three vehicle code violations, according to the DMV. In April of that year, she was cited for driving while talking on a cellphone, failing to appear in court and failing to notify the DMV. The records do not show why Lowden was required to be in court or notify the DMV.

Police said Lowden’s vehicle struck a 40-year-old man, his wife, their infant and the family dog about 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Orange Grove Avenue and Columbia Street.

As the family entered the crosswalk, Lowden allegedly turned into them, and the momentum of her car kicked the mother and daughter onto the hood of her SUV as it sped forward. The dog was killed.

The 4-month-old girl suffered two skull fractures and her mother had several cuts and bruises to her face, police said. The husband suffered minor injuries.

After the crash, South Pasadena police and the family went on a media blitz, offering as much information as possible on the car to the public while the family recounted what happened.

Within a day of the information being released, an anonymous tip led investigators to Lowden.

Detectives found her car abandoned in West L.A., said South Pasadena Police Chief Arthur Miller. There was “substantial” evidence found on the SUV’s hood, he said.

Police then found a relative of Lowden, who persuaded her to turn herself in.

When she arrived at the police station, she identified herself as the driver, Miller said. She told police that she was in South Pasadena as part of her daily routine but did not elaborate on her state of mind at the time of the crash, Miller said.

She then retained a lawyer and refused to answer further questions.

Jail records show Lowden was booked about 9:30 p.m. Monday and was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. She was booked on suspicion of three counts of felony hit and run.

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