PRESS RELEASE
Fatal Traffic Collision
Downey, CA, September 6, 2017:
On September 6, 2017 at approximately 10:59 p.m., Downey Police Officers responded to a traffic collision involving four vehicles at the intersection of Bellflower Blvd and Imperial Hwy. Witnesses observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Imperial Hwy collide with a vehicle that was northbound Bellflower Blvd. Two other vehicles stopped in the westbound lanes of Imperial Hwy were also struck as a result of the initial collision.
The driver of the northbound vehicle was severely injured and was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Two passengers in one of the stopped vehicles were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the eastbound vehicle fled on foot. Downey Traffic Investigators later located and arrested the suspect, 19 year old Jose Esparza of Norwalk, who was booked for felony hit and run.
The deceased has yet to be identified and the investigation is on-going.
Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact Traffic Investigator Mario Flores at (562) 904-2339 or Special Operations Sergeant Jaime Pelayo at (562)904-2342
