Wrong-Way Driver Faces Attempted Murder Charges
SOUTH WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2022) — Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, of Diamond Bar, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder for crashing into a group of 75 Sheriff’s cadets on a training run in South Whittier.
The next day, authorities released the suspect around 10 p.m. on Nov. 17th as they work to gather evidence to prove their case. Also, an attorney for the driver told authorities the suspect simply fell asleep behind the wheel prior to the crash.
The collision occurred about 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16th near the sheriff’s STARS Center Academy in the 10600 block of Mills Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Five of the 25 young cadet recruits hurt in the crash suffered major injuries ranging from broken bones to head injuries and lost limbs. Roughly 20 others had moderate and minor injuries.
Paramedics transported one of the critically injured recruits to Saint Francis Medical Center where he remains on a ventilator, police said.
Alejandro Martinez is reportedly in grave condition following the collision, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Martinez suffered brain swelling, a collapsed lung, damaged organs, compound femur fractures and is still on a ventilator, authorities said.
Additionally, Jose Arias, 29, suffered numerous injuries including a brain bleed, a broken leg and foot, pulmonary embolism, cracked ribs, and a broken nose. The former Marine is married with children and was looking forward to a career in law enforcement. His family has a GoFundMe page to raise money to support his extensive recovery as well as his family.
Other recruits with the most serious injuries are being treated at UC Irvine Medical Center, police officials said.
The young joggers were recruits from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and several local police agencies.
The Diamond Bar man driving the Honda SUV was on the wrong side of Mills Avenue when he crashed into the large group of cadets running together as part of a training exercise. The SUV eventually crashed into a light pole and came to a stop.
Police conducted a field sobriety test on the driver, but it came out negative. Later Wednesday night, police, joined by a tactical team with guns drawn, searched the suspect’s home in Diamond Bar. Police arrested Nicholas Gutierrez about 3 p.m. the same day and he’s scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing and Nicholas Gutierrez is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Nov. 18th.
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group has no intention to represent any of the parties discussed. We hope this news information is timely and helpful. However, if you would like to contribute any information or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Source: LAT, NBC News, LAPD
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