Full Notification

The Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating a fatal traffic collision that occurred on December 4, 2011 at approximately 9:25 p.m., on Erwin Street just west of Vesper Avenue in Van Nuys, California.

The collision occurred when 33-year-old, Alfonso Garnica-Mozgueda lost control of his 1995 Lexus ES300 and collided into 39-year-old Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba. Ruvalcaba was standing in the roadway at the rear passenger door of her 2005 Chevy Silvarado pick-up truck when she was struck. Her sister, 34-year-old Blanca Ruvalcaba was standing at the open rear passenger door, attending to her 7-week- old baby daughter who was inside the pick-up truck. Upon impact, Blanca Ruvalbaca was thrown several feet landing on the sidewalk.

Alfonso Garnica-Mozgueda exited his car and fled the scene on foot. Garnica-Mozqueda was arrested at his residence located less than a block away from where the collision occurred.

Christina Ruvalcaba suffered severe internal injuries and died at a local hospital minutes after her arrival. Blanca Ruvalcaba sustained moderate injuries and was admitted to a local hospital. Blanca’s infant daughter did not suffer any injuries as a result of the collision and is currently being cared for by family members.

Garnica-Mozgueda is being held at Van Nuys Jail for 187 PC and two outstanding warrants totalling $1,100,000.00 bail.

Anyone who may have witnessed the traffic collision is being asked to contact

Police Officer III+1 Douglas Larkin, Valley Traffic Division Detectives, at (818) 644-8036. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637
(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD”. Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

The investigation is being conducted by Valley Traffic Detectives.

P-III+1 Douglas Larkin, Serial No. 31742
Valley Traffic Division Detectives
(818) 644-8036
Or
D-III William Bustos, Serial No. 25029
Officer In Charge, Valley Traffic Division Detectives
(818) 644-8021