Driver charged with attempted murder after slamming into Los Angeles sheriff’s recruits
A Southern California man accused of callously plowing his car through a group of law enforcement recruits was charged Thursday with attempted murder on peace officers.
Nicholas Gutierrez, 22, was detained at the scene Wednesday, the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department said.
About 75 Los Angeles County sheriff’s recruits were on a regular training run Wednesday morning in the southeast L.A. suburb of Whittier when a Honda CR-V came barreling the wrong way down the street. The SUV bulldozed through the recruits, leaving 25 people with various injuries.
The most serious injuries included lost limbs and severe head trauma, according to Sheriff Alex Villanueva. He said witnesses described the scene as “like an airplane wreck.”
Seven victims remained hospitalized on Thursday, including two in critical condition, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Police have not publicly speculated on a reason for the tragedy but said homicide investigators were taking the lead in the case. On Wednesday, Sheriff Villanueva said that the driver “blew a 0.0 on a breathalyzer” and passed a field sobriety test.
The jogging recruits wore white T-shirts and green shorts. They were accompanied by two black and white radio cars and eight road guards donning reflective vests, authorities said.
Gutierrez remained behind bars Thursday on $2 million bail.
The sheriff’s office said charges would be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office by Friday. Gutierrez was scheduled for a court appearance at 8:30 a.m., according to online jail records.
With News Wire Services
