Baby Killed in Wrong-Way Driver Crash on Western Avenue in Los Angeles

Parents Critically Injured in Collision with Stolen Vehicle

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 9, 2025) — A couple was seriously injured and their baby killed Monday night in a crash involving a suspected wrong-way driver on South Western Avenue in the Vermont Square area of Los Angeles.

The deadly collision occurred around 11:33 p.m. on April 7th near 4628 South Western Avenue at West 47th Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities say the suspect, Dennis Hernandez, 35, was driving a stolen vehicle northbound at a high rate of speed prior to the collision.

The vehicle reached speeds of 100 mph and its driver tried to slow down when he saw police ahead of his vehicle.

The man lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the center divider, and collided with the driver’s side of a southbound vehicle occupied by a family of three.

The LAFD reported the wrong-way driver and the 6-month-old infant Josiah Lozano both died at the scene. The baby’s parents were seriously injured. Paramedics transported a 30-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman to a local trauma center for further treatment.

The young family has a Gofundme to raise money to support their medical costs.

Investigators are working on the case.

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When it matters most, trust Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients injured in California due to a negligent motorist. If you would like to contribute any information or would like to discuss a potential case, please call 1-(800) 208-3538 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Source: LAFD, KTLA 5 News