Glendale denies pedestrian death claim
The city has denied a wrongful death claim filed by the family of an 83-year-old Glendale man who was struck and killed by a minivan last year on Broadway in a section of the street they allege is dangerous.
Members of Kourkin Anouchian’s family claim the city should have posted warning lights and signs alerting motorists to look out for pedestrians who use an unmarked crosswalk at the intersection of Broadway and Maynard Street, according to their claim, which was filed in May.
“The city is liable for Mr. Anouchian’s death by virtue of its negligent design, construction and maintenance of the roadway,” the family’s attorney, Roger Booth, wrote in the claim.
City Attorney Michael Garcia declined to comment about the claim and denied the allegations.
According to the claim, Anouchian’s family was requesting $1 million in damages. Their attorney did not respond to numerous requests for comment.
Anouchian was walking at about 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the unmarked crosswalk when he reportedly saw a minivan heading toward him, according to Glendale police reports. He waved his arms in the air in order to warn the driver to stop.
But by the time the driver, 40-year-old Sana Hussein of Glendale, hit the brakes, it was too late.
Hussein, who had just picked up her three children in Pasadena, struck Anouchian as he was trying to get out of the way, according to reports. She stopped at the scene and waited for police.
Anouchian was later pronounced dead at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
Anouchian’s family claims a curve in the road prevents motorists and pedestrians from seeing each other.
They alleged Anouchian and Hussein were both cautious but couldn’t avoid the collision because there was no signage or lights on Broadway to warn them of each other’s presence.
In July, prosecutors filed one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter against Hussein.
She is expected to be arraigned Sept. 9 in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Glendale.
--
Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and on Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA.
ALSO:
Witnesses help lead to arrest of teen suspects in stabbing
Glendale ramps up park oversight
Man outwits would-be thief in a scuffle over Craigslist iPad sale