PALMDALE – A man and a woman were killed Saturday night when the vehicle they were riding in collided with a sheriff’s patrol car and spun out of control near a Palmdale intersection, authorities said.
Both passengers were thrown from the back seat of a Ford Explorer and pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred around 4:25 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street East and Avenue R in Palmdale, according to Captain Gretchen Jacobs of the California Highway Patrol.
Jacobs said the deputy was driving a sheriff’s patrol car eastbound on Avenue R, while the Ford Explorer was traveling northbound on 17th Street East.
“It’s unknown at this time whether the Explorer stopped for the stop sign or not, we have conflicting information about that,” Jacobs said. “We have conflicting on the speeds of the vehicles.”
The patrol car struck the left side of the Ford Explorer, which caused the Explorer to spin out of control, Jacobs said.
Two of the four people in the Explorer were ejected, and investigators are still trying to determine whether or not they were wearing seatbelts, Jacobs said. The driver and front passenger were wearing seatbelts, and they were not injured in the collision, Jacobs said.
“The deputy has been taken to the hospital with some injuries. I don’t know to the extent of those injuries,” Jacobs said.
The incident is still under investigation and no names are being released at this point. Neither of the parties had been drinking, officials said.
The collision occurred within city limits, but the California Highway Patrol was asked to take over the investigation because it was a deputy-involved collision, according to Captain Don Ford of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
“Typical these types of investigations do take quite a few weeks, even up to months,” Jacobs said.
UPDATED 12/15/13: The deceased have been identified as 20-year-old Sara Paynter of Van Nuys and 31-year-old Robert Delgadillo of Palmdale, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The 36-year-old male deputy involved in the collision sustained “moderate” injuries, according to a California Highway Patrol report. We will continue to follow this story.
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Michelle sheen says
I’m am beyond sick. You uneducated people to even for one min you would think it is the cops fault. The person clearly ran the stop sigh ,oh what about seat belts is that the cops fault . Very one sided and truly most people have received the wrong information. I sure hope you never need a cop or fire services. They are all bad until you need them , god forbid. I’m sure they will go after him although it was not even close to being his fault. This man has young children to raise . It would be a shame for a accident that was not his fault. As a america I’m tired of seeing our officer take the fall on everthing. Like i said you will need them one day mark my word and they will be there 100 percent for you.. The lost of life is horrible , but put the blame where it is due. Not the surving person. I had it I’m sure there will be a lawsuit even though it was the speeding drivers fault
RIP! says
It’s sad to say it was an accident! Two lives were taken away, away from there love ones! Always remember that’s why we have to wear seat belts! I still see parents driving around an there kids are not wearing seat belts! We never know when it’s our turn! BE SAFE OUT THERE an please obey the laws!
smh says
everyone blames blames blames just one click thats all it takes
muneca818 says
It is sad to see people die specially in accidents like this,but the reason they blame officers is because when an accident is caused they always try to blame them because of a good compensation $$$$ or because usually officer never follow the rules like us as a driver should. You see cops using there personal cell phones when they are driving and I’ve witness cops turn on there siren and lights just to cross a red light and or skip traffic, I’ve seen that and I’m sure many other driving people has too. i do hope that they start changing the rules on andy drivers no matter if its a police deputy or detective,your still driving and you could still get distracted even if you are a police,thats why you have radios on your cars and shoulders …..I hope they do do a clear and right investigation how evidence point to not a false decision, and as fir the people that pass I’m sorry for your love one and my condolence to there families :(…..and to all readers please please wear your seat belts its the law and it may save your life in a tragedy like this.
aw says
True they due turn lights on cause they don’t want to wait also they don’t wear seat belts they on their cell all the time but when you even call to report as to why aren’t wearing seat belts they make excuses for them like they’re on an emergency call or something I hope an pray that they due a proper investigation and don’t cover anything
muneca818 says
thats true too.
brenda ward says
you must be a palmdale cop defending this monster for taking two lives, I live near that area and palmdale sheriff are the gangs in this area, they should be protecting our neighborhood, not bringing hurt and pain, many times I see these cops driving like mad men up and down ave R, and generally they may be going to a bumper to bumper accident, nothing more, I have seen them in action, they are rude and drive crazy, they harrass our neighborhood people, now I know They dont act like hoodlums on the west side of palmdale, just on the east side of down, and guess what we have many LAPD cops that live on the eastside of Palmdale, which is a much better police department, I dont see them out acting like monsters, Palmdale Sheriff department your the worst, may LAPD should take over. as a homeowner paying my hard working taxes to these mad men, makes me feel bad, they dont deserve my taxes, palmdale sheriff we are ashamed of you and your actions, you killed to innocent human being, and the sad part< i work for the same people palmdael sheriff work for, they need to be put out of business.
brenda ward says
money cant bring these two lives back, sad the way you think, and by the way, familys that go threw this sort of stuff deserve money and more, life is special, someone remind palmdale sheriff department, life matters.
NettaB says
I live close by and that is so true! Now, I am not playing the blame game but it is a fact that the sheriff act crazy on the east side. They harass and torment individuals who occupy Serria hwy to 30th east no matter what race you are. Rip to the individuals who lost their lives, every time I turn on that corner I say a prayer for them and also the police officer(s) involved.
1234 kate says
An accident is called an accident for a reason and nothing in life is preventable the only one Who has control that is GOD and when its your time to go he calls you home no matter how it happens…people with no faith always find someone or something to blame! Its an unfortunate situation and sad absolutely. For anyone who has to let there loved ones go. But its no ones fault and its no ones place to question god on why this was their way to go. Ive had lots of family leave some from cancer others from car accidents but it was there time and I can’t question him no matter how much it hurt me then and still hurts me as much today! Prayer for the family that there members are hopefully at peace and that they come to terms with Gods decision prayers their way……
VicR says
It’s a horrible crash and I don’t blame the family for grieving and demanding answers, but for everyone else who want’s blame the deputy, lets look at the evidence that we do know without relying on the police investigation.
1. The posted speed limit on Avenue R is 50 MPH.
2. The driver and a surviving passenger were uninjured
3. The decedents we not wearing seat belts
4. A side impact or T-Bone collision at a speed of 35MPH produces sufficient lateral force to cause fatal injuries to internal organs. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) The human body is not built to withstand abrupt lateral (sideways) movement. The fact that the driver and passenger survived without injury strongly suggests the speed at impact was at or near the survivable maximum lateral force which would indicate the deputy was at the very least traveling at or below the speed limit at impact.
The driver of the SUV had a duty to stop and yield to all traffic before entering the intersection rendering moot the fact of whether or not he stopped before entering. Based on witness statements to the media, the deputy was traveling on Avenue R (with the right of way) and the drive of the SUV was coming from a side street with a stop sign.
At the minimum, the driver of the SUV is the party most at fault for not yielding to through traffic and operating the motor vehicle with unrestrained passengers. The decedents had their own duty to wear their seat belts. Even if the deputy was traveling above the posted 50 MPH speed limit, would be the party least at fault in the collision.
Finally, it is a tragic event for all of the people involved in this. Show some class and lighten up because there go you but for the grace of God.
facts says
VicR thank you for clarifying. With people not looking both ways before the cross into a main street, it was a crash bound to happen to anyone, not just the deputy. These deaths would have been prevented if 1.) The driver made sure the coast was clear before crossing and 2.) The victims would have had their seatbelts on. Nonetheless, two lives were lost and I feel bad for both sides. Now the families of both of them are grieving and the deputy, although he had the right of way, is aware that the crash he was involved with resulted in the deaths of two citizens. So tragic :(
CB says
Lot’s of comments & conclusions, but no real evidence to back it up. Let the CHiP do their investigation. Then the powers that be can/will address the situation.
Xonr8d says
CHP investigation determined deputy was NOT at fault. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/12/15/chp-says-deputy-was-not-at-fault-in-crash-that-killed-young-couple/
An unfortunate ACCIDENT occurred that claimed the lives of two young individuals whose family and friends are grieving. The driver of the SUV is liable for the deaths as he had CONTROL of the vehicle, did not ensure his passengers were “buckled up” before moving the vehicle, not LASD.
The world isn’t fair as most of us would tend to believe. It is unpredictable as in this unfortunate ACCIDENT.
Condolences to the families and friends for your loss, but they are now your guardian angels who will be watching over you from above. RIP
Peace says
http://www.gofundme.com/sarahpaynter
AVHome says
When this investigation is done, there will be no winners. The people who died will still be dead (R.I.P.) and the Deputy will have to live with that fact. So all you peole need to just stop with the CSI crap since none of you were in either vehicle.
onlydeandre says
seat belts people seat belts no matter whos fault takes 2 seconds to save your life
Wright says
Ok, why has most the blame been toward the deputy? The SUV driver appears to be at Fault. grind on that.
Jason says
Because its the cool thing to do. This deputy could have had his lights and sirens on and the SUV could have blown a red light and they would still blame the deputy.
WED says
Hey look there was an accident! Let’s take this opportunity to troll the AV times and talk crap based on situations, not even the one the story is about, when we really know jack about them. There must still be some decent people out in the AV because if the whiners on here were a good representation I would say pull the cops out and let you fend for yourselves.
Sean says
It was totally the cops fault, that’s why they say here the cars collided and not that the SUV didn’t stop, when its the cops fault, its never treated as if it were. Welcome to the AV. I bet that the “conflicting reports” are that everyone says that the cop was going too fast and didn’t stop. Don’t they have gps’s on cop cars that record the speed and location of the car? Why isn’t that being used as the definitive answer to the question of fault? The cop is most likely responsible for the death of two, but this’ll get covered up by the good ol’ LASD just like every other injustice they do. It’s time to start regulating the cops more than they regulate civilians. FTP.
Jason says
Nice little rant there. People have posted on here they saw the SUV run the stop sign, witnesses at the scene said the SUV run the stop sign. Guess all those different witnesses must be on the LASD payroll so that this deputy, who is truly a good deputy, can do what he wants right? And since you say FTP, next time you need one, dont call one, just scream that out.
Sean says
First of all, if you want to talk about the reliability of witnesses, let alone the reliability of people claiming to be witnesses on line, then that’s a shallow alley you can travel by yourself, buddy. From everything I’ve read, there was 1 witness, singular, who said she THOUGHT the SUV ran the stop sign. The issue with people like you is you think your right, but when you can’t find evidence, you just make it up. And I’m not saying he’s necessarily a bad deputy (even though many peoples’ idea of a good deputy is my idea of a bad person, especially when those people are like you and just make up evidence), I’m saying its probably his fault, if you read into the pattern of how the Sheriff’s department releases information in cases like this. Plus, why isn’t the dash cam tape being discussed, or the built in GPS to determine if the cop was going too fast? His perceived character has nothing to do with this necessarily, but his actions are what determine whether he has fault in the issue, and normally when there is strong evidence suggesting an involved officer’s innocence, the Sheriff’s will release that information to the public to maintain positive public image in the case. So, they have the GPS and dash cam, but people like you are basing it off “witnesses” on the internet and “witnesses” who probably didn’t see anything until they heard a bang. Read the LA Times article, by the way, where it says SEVERAL witnesses felt the cop was traveling at excessive speeds and appeared to be on his cell phone, if we’re going to talk about witnesses and character over pragmatic data here.
John says
Steve, they do not have dash cams. I know you think you know what you are talking about, and that is adorable. Bottom line: you have too much time on your hands and you are an [removed], sir. I’m sure you are a seasoned detective and have figured this investigation out. Haven’t you, Mr. Sherlock?
Sean says
Then how come when I was hit on L and 30th (a car had decided to try and make a light or stopped late, but had to reverse, forgot to put car back in drive, hit me and ran), and they used the cops dashcam and the Walgreens security tape to prove it and find the person? What are you qualifications, Mr. Overused Pun Involving Well-known Characters?
AVHome says
@John, you’re correct about the dashcam. LASD patrol cars are not regularly equiped with dash cams. There may be a few but not in north county. @Sean, YOU’RE lieing about that made up investigation. Why would the Deputy even need dash cam footage (which does not exist in the A.V.) since he would have viewed the crime and caught your suspect. Then again your investigator may have been CHP. All cops probablylook the same to you.
lol says
lmao amen Jason!
Sean says
LOL SAME PERSON. Feel good about yourself Jason. Feel good.
Jason says
Actually I have no idea who lol is, its not me but obviously someone who who thinks along the same lines.
CB says
@ Jason…Way Too Funny!
@ Sean…You are so so sad.
AVGirl says
Bias much?
It could very well be that all the witnesses are just as bias as you, so are giving their version of the truth.
To be ejected, one usually isn’t wearing a seatbelt, so even if the deputy did hit them, they might have survived had they been wearing their seatbelts
Sean says
USUALLY being the primary question here. And having lived in the Antelope Valley for 19 years, I have been racially persecuted on multiple occasions in the AV, and have lived in LAC for even longer, seeing extreme cases of police brutality and corruption almost non-stop. So am I biased? Yes, I am biased. I have little trust for an authoritative body who thinks going to Highland or something and talking about not smoking weed or something is community outreach. That is not community outreach, when you treat the poverty and mental issues that riddle LAC as criminal offenses, and then go talk to the middle-class kids about drugs and it gets on the front page of the AV press. The LASD cares more about their image than their precinct, and care more about the scope of their jurisdiction than the condition of their jurisdiction. AVGirl, I’m not going to speak about your background, because I don’t know, but as for my background, I am biased, as is everyone, but the extent of my bias on this issue has risen pragmatically.
Julie says
I Live on 17th st E and the cops are always speeding past my house always on the phone. I was walking on one late nite and I saw the sheriff car in the parking lot at the exit with only his parking lights on only. I said to my self oh dam I need to get in my yard before he gets to me. As as I got in my yard in the gate , that sheriff was comming across but as soon as I was in my gate , the sheriff had stopped right in the middle of 17th st east right in front of my gate and I turned right back walked to my gate and the sheriff jumps out of his car and now he is face to face with me and he says to me What. I said what im just looking to see whats going on. And the sheriff opens the back car door and a female . Looking like a whore or slut. Nasty . She walked towards Palmdale Blvd and the sheriff got back in car and sped off. I said what the hell was that kind of vety strange people
Joe says
Wow, that’s a good story, can you tell us what it has to do with the accident?
Vince says
You’re wrong Joe, it wasn’t a good story.
Cary says
If anybody knew what a blind intersection this is for traffic entering onto Ave R, the speculation about what happened would be more civil.
Chris K says
Sad that lives were loss. North and southbound traffic have stop sign, which mean “stop” then proceed when safe. East and west bound traffic have the right of way. The deputy (whether with lights on or not), had the right of way…Basic traffic laws….Lives are loss when traffic laws aren’t adhered to…
As says
The LA Times says the patrol car was going northbound on 17th and the SUV was going eastbound on R. I hate when different media shave conflicting information.
G. Richards says
If that was true, the vehicles would have damage on opposite sides.
Tori says
So has the family already signed on with R.Rexx and dreaming of millions?
Just Saying says
What a classy remark on a story where people died.
I've seen it all says
It’s amazing to see the comments posted by some people. First, lets educate lots of people right here. Police are EXEMPT from talking on a cell phone. It’s written in the law. (23123 CVC). That should handle the people worrying about if the deputy was on the phone or not.
Next, 2 people were EJECTED! That 100% means they were NOT wearing seatbelts. The front 2 had no major injuries which should tell people exactly what scientists have been telling people for years. **Seatbelts, Save Lives! **
Another person pointed out the obvious. Explorer was at a Stop Sign. That 100% means they cant move until it’s safe to do so. Obviously, it wasn’t safe to turn so why is everyone trying like hell to say they dont know who was at fault.
Next, I see people complaining about the driving habbits of Officers. You try watching all of the traffic around you, while reading your computer screen, answering your radio, trying to call a 911 caller back for further information so he’s not blindly walking into a dangerous situation, and watching the stupid idiots who slam on the brakes instead of obeying the law that requires you to pull to the right upon the approach of an emergency vehicle.
No one knows why Officers do some things. Why didnt the Officer have his siren on? Bcuz he doesnt want the bad guy to know he’s approaching. Those sirens can be heard for over a mile. YES, Officers should lead by example, but sometimes were doing other things your not aware of.
And to those hatters, do you really think that Deputy set out on his day with intent to kill 2 people? If more people would respect the uniform/badge, tons of people would not have Run-ins with Law Enforcement.
Be safe out there!!!
Hunny says
I couldn’t agree with you more ↑↑↑… I knew this deputy and he is an awesome guy. Accidents do happen. Speeding or not HE had the right of way… ppl need to pay more attention when driving period.
Sad says
Officers and emergency vehicles do have the right of way, but when lights and sirens are on. His were not, so therefore he was looked at as if he was an officer on the road. Prayers go out to all the families.
AVGirl says
If the SUV was indeed at a stop sign, ANY oncoming traffic would have right of way, police or no police. Chances are the SUV driver didn’t calculate the speed of the patrol car correctly and thought that they could make it.
Stupid mistake, but it happened.
Derrick says
@AvGirl you have a point probably misjudged the officers speed and thought they could make it
lol says
sad your wrong… if there going to a robbery call or domestic violence call etc. they can not have there sirens on! just saying!
VicR says
The vehicle code ONLY exempts emergency vehicles when they are displaying a steady red light forward AND “sounding a siren as necessary.” No red light, no exemption. Period. But that’s moot in this case. There is no evidence that the deputy committed ANY violation of the vehicle code.
Sean says
Sirens and lights are 2 different things, they have to have lights until they are close enough proximity to where they don’t pose a threat to other traffic
Lol says
So apparently he was going to an emergency call .. Guess I was right..
Sean says
If they frequented that instersection and saw the cop was far enough back, they easily could have thought it would be safe. Whether or not the cop was speeding was definitely what determines whose at fault in this. Secondly, just because cops are exempt from the law banning cell phones doesn’t mean its legal to in all cases, if they are at fault and were speeding because they were on their phone good luck trying to argue to me that a stipulation in a vehicle code about cell phones is a good enough reason for this guy to not be charged with vehicular manslaughter if he was at fault.
I agree, the people should have been wearing seatbelts if they were, but they were ejected out of the back of the vehicle, meaning they could have slipped out. I feel it definitely would say they were not wearing seatbelts if they weren’t.
AVHome says
If they were wearing seatbelts they would not have slipped out! Unless the vehicle flipped over and a total failure happened, the lap portion of the seatbelt is designed to keep a person large enough from “slipping” out. So logic would set that no seatbelt was used by either rearseat passenger unless they were used improperly (i.e. shoulder/lap portion only). In an SUV, I assume the seatbelt or the rearseat failed if the passengers were ejected from the rear cabin door.
Sean says
Yes, but has anyone figured out how big they were? The seat belt issue really does intrigue me, as you can see the front window is still intact, as is the passenger side, which I believe would be what they would have gone through considering their circular acceleration, no?
Fast Freddie says
@ “I’ve seen it all”…..You would be WRONG sir! They do NOT have EXEMPTION from the law as you indicate. Emergency Personnel are only allowed to use a phone “During and in the course of ones duties”. THAT is the Law. The do not have an blanket Phone Policy use as you indicate.
Not saying that this deputy was even talking on the phone let alone on a personal call or not, just stating Law.
Out
Know it All says
@Fast Freddie. You just said yourself Sir, “During and in the course of ones duties.” Last time I checked, the Deputy was (If he indeed was) using the phone while on duty. In the course of his duties should we say? Thus being exempt.
Fast Freddy says
Nope.your wrong again. During the course of his duties means that the Deputy
Would need to be on an official cell phone call and NOT a personal one. Do see the difference? Technical yes but clear as day to me…
Fast Freddy says
The ONLY thing you state in your comment that has any validity is your final paragraph. The rest is plain BS. Nothing is EVER 100%!
You mention that one should try “Watching all of the traffic around you while reading your computer screen, answering the radio, trying to call a 911 caller back for further information so….and watching out for you to pull to the right upon the approach of an emergency vehicle….Wow, talking about speculation! I hope that you are NOT the CHP officer that is investigating this tragic event. You solved this faster than Tom Cruise did in A Few Good Men.
Just a few FACTS to consider….If he is doing all that you say then MAYBE HE SHOULD SLOW DOWN, or PULL OVER to make the call and read his screen. HE and HE ALONE has a duty to operate his vehicle safely and if he cannot, THEN HE NEEDS TO STOP his car until such time that he can operate the vehicle safely! I too drive an EMERGENCY VEHICLE and have done so for 33 years. Maybe I have been the lucky one but I too have done the things that you SPECULATE happened inside this vehicle prior to the accident and have NEVER crashed and killed anyone. As far as driving without lights and siren…The LAW does not support your position of “Maybe he was doing that so the bad guys did not hear him coming”….Without “Lights and Sirens (BOTH) activated, the deputy vehicle is just another vehicle on the road and is not afforded ANY protection from liability should something happen. IN FACT, with lights and siren blaring, when one enters an intersection and proceeds through a red light or stop sign, the Emergency vehicle is simply “ASKING for the Right-of-Way” and cannot simply race through the streets without regard for others. Dangerous thought process here brother.
Lastly, it appears to me from the very limited information that I have and can see here that the Deputy was not at fault, however I will save final JUDGMENT until after the investigation is complete.
Out
AVGirl says
Or maybe the driver of the SUV should not have pulled out into oncoming traffic? Maybe the passengers should have been buckled in?
It doesn’t matter if it was a patrol car or just some person driving down the road. The SUV driver miscalculated and entered the flow of traffic in error.
AVHome says
The accident scene was not an intersection. Stop signs are posted North/South, not East/West. The Deputy was driving eastbound. I agree FF with the phone use policy but reasons stated in the post are within the scope of duties. Try not to blast so loudly in your replies.
lol says
you are completely right! well said!
RobinSparkles says
Is called an MDC… If you are gonna act like you know what you’re talking about, then get your facts straight. I agree w/Adam Henry, roll up ?
Fast Freddy says
at RobinSparkles….Hey English Teacher, if you are going to correct someone then use proper English and GRAMMAR your darn self! “Is Called an MDC” should read..”It is called an MDC” or even an MDT (Mobile Data terminal) would work too.
Out
RobinSparkles says
No really… it’s classified as an MDC. Not an MDT. A mobile digital computer smart one. It changed over the last two years. . When the “terminals” were exchanged with laptop type computers. And yes they have gps. So no it doesn’t work “too”. Btw you didn’t even fix my grammatical error. Proof read much?
ALSO, the deputy had the right of way. If he was speeding it will be punishable however officials have stated the SUV had a stop sign , whether or not they ran it, they pulle out into traffic. Bottom line is 2 lives were lost.. And I’m sure the deputy is having a hard time with this fact. They are not callus and immune to emotion.. All of you who are judging and talking crap, I’d like to see you do this job even for one day! My bet is you couldn’t handle it. To know you are serving a community that trash talks and shows almost zero support yet calls when they need help just to talk trash when you show up. To work holidays and nights and weeks without days off. To leave for your shift knowing there’s a chance you may not return to your children, spouse & family. To know that by putting on a uniform you are an aoutmatic target simply because you want to help others. It’s sad that people can’t stop and see all that these deputies do, because they are too ingnorant and ready to judge. These deputies are human. Mistakes will be made. But unless you are willing to do this job and do it better yourselves then maybe everyone who is being negative and blaming the deputy simply because his job title Needs to stop and think before they speak. These men and women put their lives on the line every day and night so you can live happily in a town that you are choosing. Have any of you stopped to simply thank them? No because you are too quick to jump on the FTP bandwagon. Sorry That there are those of you that have had negative experiences but stop and ask yourself why. Maybe you shouldn’t have broken the law – if that’s the case. Of you don’t the sheriffs department then don’t call them when you need help. It’s simple.
Lol says
Nicely put sparkles!
Bonny says
We don’t have enough information on who to blame. But you guys shouldn’t be saying it was so and so’s fault, those two citizens are dead and their family is in pain. The officer is in the hospital. God, just leave it to the investigators.
Rest in peace .
tony says
I live right down the street always see the cops flying down the street talking on the phone like always we need a stoplight there a stop sign always accidents they’re always
Linda says
It’s not just cops that “fly” down that street. Tons of other people do as well. And this had nothing to do with a cellphone being used so why even bring that up? I witnessed the accident and the cop was not on his cellphone nor was he going any faster than the rest of traffic. It’s a dangerous street. The SUV turned in front of the cop. Point blank. Don’t blame the cops when you obviously have no clue.
Hunny says
Exactly. ..
tony says
Oh whatever okay to watch the 2 and whatever i watch it To cops always on there phones and playing With there computers To and speeding In residential areas
Vince says
Did you know Ave R is not a “residential” street? Did you know the speed limit is 50 mph? Do you know how speed limits are determined and enforced? Did you know that if you were driving 51 mph (or perhaps 55-60) on that street, you wouldn’t be found guilty of speeding?
Lou says
Looking at the damage in the photo, the right side of the patrol car hit the left side of the SUV. But why? If the deputy is traveling East on Ave. R he has the right of way & the SUV has a stop sign. It makes no difference if the deputy was speeding or on the phone or checking his computer, he has the right of way, the SUV must yield. It’s my opinion, the SUV came on to Ave. R due to not seeing the patrol car or failing to stop at the stop sign an entered on to Ave. R in the path of the patrol car. Yes, the deputy hit the SUV but it’s not the deputy’s fault.
Fred says
Looking at Google Maps, the view looking West on Ave. R from just East of 17th shows that there is a long high block wall on the South side of R West of 17th that could have possibly obstruted the SUV drivers view. But the Stop line painted on the street is way up at Ave. R (not set back 5 to 10 feet or so like at most intersections). The stop line is almost perpendicular with the curb line meaning the SUV driver had the right to scoot way up to Ave. R to look to the left in the direction the deputy was approaching. It would be interesting to see if there were skid marks from the patrol car, whether the patrol car was in the lane next to the curb or in the lane near the middle of the road & if any skid marks swerved to try to miss the SUV. The deputy may not have been able to avoid hitting the SUV based upon how far onto Ave. R the SUV entered the roadway into the path of the patrol car. Just my thoughts. I’m not accusing blame on anyone here.
Linda says
Just as a correction, there is not a high brick wall. It’s a very low wall surrounding the church.
Stew says
Other side of the street, motor mouth. Learn your North from your South.
Sean says
I wish I could like your comment on here, that was hilarious. Linda is a know it all though, after all she was right there when it happened and was watching the deputies actions prior to the accident, standing there with her radar gun to confirm he wasn’t speeding. She’s on the case, boys.
A Closer Look says
That wall is across the street where the cars ended up. This is an extremely blind corner. Click this link to see the view from the driver of the Explorer when approaching this intersection from the South.
http://goo.gl/maps/RiROq
In this next view you will see that you have to be standing on the limit line, to get a semi decent view down the street. A drivers seat is 5 or 6 feet back from this point.
http://goo.gl/maps/rAeAS
It’s easy to see how this accident could be just that. An accident. Excepting the unbelted passengers, if that’s the case.
Vince says
This is also a very wide lane at the intersection. The driver didn’t have to stay behind the line if it was unsafe.
Michael says
How is it his fault ? he had the right away and they pulled out from ,or ran the stop sign and we’re not wearing seat belts. Oh and your sure he was on the phone, wow your psychic! Now you have to create stories that he was on the phone. You must of got a good grade in creative writing from R Rex Parris [removed]high school
Itsme says
The news was reporting last night that several witnesses reported that the deputy was on the phone and driving at excessive speed. That could be where the phone talk is coming from.
AVGirl says
Emergency personnel as well as several other jobs are legally allowed to be on the phone.
“California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (d). This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties”
Raptorman says
The speed limit is 50 MPH and the crash disabled the vehicle. When getting out, taking your cell phone from the console area would not be unusual. One witness said she believes the SUV did not stop.
If the patrol car had been going faster than the speed limit there would be a heck of a lot more damage. The people thrown out were not wearing seatbelts.
I was at the scene just a few minutes after the crash because I was walking my dog near there at the time.
anotherdummy says
Was he responding to an emergency? If so, they are also, however, required to operate their emergency vehicles with due regard. Basically, they understand that driving with lights and sirens increases their risk of a collision and as such they are expected to drive with greater caution. So even though he was legally allowed to be on his cell phone (if he was) the question is whether a reasonable person in the same position would have done the same thing as the person driving. If so, he is in the clear. If not, he may be found at fault.
Fast Freddie says
AV Girl..Your post is confusing. Emergency personnel are only allowed to use the phone during the course and scope of his or her duties as you mention, whoever, the first part of your post leads one to believe that the Emergency worker has Carte Blanche (sp) to use his or her phone which is NOT supported by California Law and I am SURE that it is not supported by the Sheriffs Department Policy and Procedures. Any cop’rs on here want to chime in?
Tragic none-the-less
WEAR SEAT BELTS FOLKS!!!!
Linda says
I witnessed the accident as it happened. The cop was NOT on his cellphone and was not excessively speeding. He was going the same speed as everyone else. The SUV pulled out in front of him. End of story. People are spreading rumors and trying to start drama with this whole “I swear the cop was on his phone”. They like to place blame whenever possible on officers. The cop did nothing wrong.
Wright says
Ave. R no stop sign. 17th street east stop sign! Let the investigators do what they are trained to do.
Kevin says
Yes, it’s a 2 way stop, R has no stop. So possibly it’s the fault of the SUV driver. We won’t know until the investigation is complete.
Possible things that could change this depending on the results of the investigation: it’s a blind intersection, if the deputy was speeding, in this posted 50 mph zone the SUV driver may not have seen the deputy in time and thought it was clear to go after stopping at the sign. There should be evidence of what exactly happened if the deputy’s car had a dashboard camera running, that wasn’t destroyed in the collision.
sondra says
Here in the AV they speed down the streets, no sirens, just lights, going about 55/60 mph most times…as we can see that is a deadly combination. RIP
Slow says
A lot of young cops on the street and most of them drive to fast i seen one Driving down 50 st west in Quartzhill Friday i would say he was going 75 to 80 mph i told a co worker one day there going to kill some one how can it be safe to go that fast and i am sure there was already 5 cops at that call before this jerk got there, SLOW DOWN
les says
@slow- Remember that when you have a life threatening situation and they get there “too late” to save you or a loved one because they were strictly following the speed limit.
justsaying says
In a life threatening situation the lights are blaring and a siren can be heard. I have not read or heard that either was being used.
RobinSparkles says
What does Age of deputies have to do with this? The speed limit on 50th in quartz hill is 50-60 mph depending on the area. Are you trained in spew estimation of vehicles? Who’s the jerk here…. Think before you speak buddy.
RobinSparkles says
*** speed estimation
[removed] says
Cops drive like crap, and so does everyone else
Frank Rizzo says
Now that is a comment I can agree with. Too easy to get a drive license in CA.
Gerry says
In that area and the way the SUV looks, I would say there is a good chance that one driver did not even have a license.
Sean says
Funny how people are quick to blame. And let me guess the cops took off the victims seat belt and were gone give them a ticket.
Gerry says
If the cop took off the seat belts, I guess after he did that he had to pull the out of the car.
Sean says
No, that’s ridiculous and not plausible. The argument that if he was on the phone and speeding, then he’s guilty, is a very plausible one. Logical faux pas. You bring a bad name to Sean’s everywhere, and for that, you can never be forgiven. But really, the cops suck and maybe if they weren’t such a-holes all the time (there are some nice cops, a very very small amount in the AV and LA in general though), there wouldn’t be such backlash from the community whenever something suspicious like this happens.
Joe says
Very tragic , so sad. As a former Deputy with many years experience investigating traffic collisions, from viewing the photos & preliminary limited info . Deputy E/B Ave R ( has right of way) Ford N/B 17thE ( had stop sign) .
Impact damage location on both vehicles ( based on the pics posted) appears the Ford broadsided the patrol car, the Ford driver may have turned to the right last minute to avoid as evidenced of where the damage on both vehicles is located.
Of course this is opinion based on what little I’ve read & seen in media info & pics. Passengers were probably not wearing seat belts , this probably did not have to be fatalities. The investigation once completed will reveal the cause.
God bring peace to the families
DEW says
Accidents are accidents. I love how people make whatever assumptions best for their agendas. I have been driving around Palmdale and Lancaster for years. Yeah, there have been plenty of cops in accidents but every single day I see at least three moderate to major wrecks that involve only the people who live and work here. I spend a lot of that time dodging plenty of people who shouldn’t even have a license. Everyone is more concerned with their own personal matters and getting there as fast as possible despite the risk they pose to others. Let’s go to this accident scene, Ave. R, no intersection. 17th, stops on both sides. I don’t investigate accidents for a living but I think I know who is at fault here. I don’t know what caused them to pull into traffic the way it looks like they did but, I wonder if it was worth it. Drive Safe people.
Annonymous says
So the highway patrol is taking the lead huh? Yea, let me get my best friend to investigate myself. This state is so screwed up its not funny, the chief of police says they don’t have a quota when it comes to ticketing citizens yet all police do is drive around running license plates and seeing if you have a seat belt on. We live in a police state were you are being watched constantly, cameras everywhere cops everywhere yet it does nothing to detour crime. We have a police force filled with guys who treat everyone as a criminal and they themselves are above the law. When you get pulled over for not using a blinker you are removed from your car and searched as if you a criminal when the police hardly ever obey traffic laws them selves.
FedUp says
…And yet when an A.V tweeker or an armed gang banger is trying to break in your home or rip off the copper from your home what do you do? Call 911 and ask a cop to risk his or her life to protect your sorry butt. Quit complaining and move out of this “screwed up” state. When you deal with the scum of the earth on a daily basis you have to assume people are guilty or up to no good at first or eventually you let your guard down and end up dead. Are there bad cops? Yup, you bet, but they are few and far between. We need more cops, cameras, whatever it takes to keep this valley from turning into the ghetto in the desert. Just saying!
AVGirl says
If you truly want to see a police state, visit several of the current ones located on the African continent, or N. Korea to name a few.
RobinSparkles says
First off … Chp and Lasd are the equivalent of high school rivals. And second, it sounds like policy to have the other investigate situations such as this so certain people cant cry corruption and conflict of interest.
Krystal says
Exactly! CHP and LASD are not buddy buddy and the reason CHP was called in was so that there wouldn’t be any bias or coverups going on. If LASD was in the wrong, CHP will be the first to say it.
Mike says
The Deputy was eastbound on Ave R (no stop sign) the Explorer northbound on 17th St E (stop sign). Im not saying who was at fault because I was not there but do not assume the Deputy was at fault.
The entire incident is unfortunate and I feel extremely sad for the family of the two people who lost their lives.
sarah says
Deputies fly dwn ave R all the time, no warnings given. Common their sheriff s they think they c an do what they want, when they want & answer to nobody. I’m sure a drug & alcohol test was given to everyone except the sheriff. Why don’t they ck his phone records..I’m 100% he was on his phone, they ALWAYS ARE! Ill be praying for the families involved and hope they get justice. Nomatter the outcome we the public will never know..its kp a secret becus the lovely sheriff has privacy rights.
Mike says
Deputies may or may not fly down Ave R all the time but does not mean this Deputy did anything wrong. Not saying he was not wrong, just saying you do not know. Im sure he is overwhelmed with grief and does not need the community he protects assume something about what they know nothing about.
Les says
You’re 100% sure the deputy was on the phone? Were you sitting in the patrol car next to the deputy? Why don’t you wait until the investigation is complete before rushing to judgement and blaming either party involved.
RobinSparkles says
@sarah- We’re you there? Then how do you know. Don’t place blame when you don’t know the facts. And what is it exactly you hope they get “justice ”
For?! It’s clear the ford pulled out in front of the deputy based on the damage to the vehicles. Seriously Sarah, you just sound so hell bent. . Next time you need help… Don’t call for a deputy… Oh and take a grammar class.
Brandon says
It’s unfortunate that you are 100% sure because I was there and I am 100% sure he wasn’t. There is no secret cover up because the SUV pulled in front of the officer. Your comments are immature and unfounded. You obviously don’t know the story and therefore should refrain from further comment.
AVHome says
Privacy rights! Have you been following the news lately? Maybe you can’t comprehend well about what privacy rights entails. The Deputy has no privacy in this accident. Once the investigation is in full public veiw and the civil vampire lawyers get their teeth in this, name/s will be in all media forms.
Ronnie says
I’m not blaming anybody or saying this is what happend. But I almost collided with a sheriff one time because they weren’t paying attention and ran a stop sign. Then proceeded to stare me down as if I was in the wrong. Just saying it happens all the time.
jo says
It happens all the time… Really Ronnie?? It happened one time to you and that’s ALL THE TIME?? Geeze laweeze…
Michael says
We as citizens get ticketed all the time for distracted driving yet you see deputies all the time focused on there MDT units or on the phone, but nothing is ever done to remedy the problem, we are just supposed know that they are in a hurry without warning devices on.
Adam Henry says
MDT? You sound like a roll-up.
[removed] says
I agree. More than likely the sheriff was doing something….after all he is trained to look out for situations…..I find it odd that he didnt see a SUV.
Nigel says
Isn’t the other party trained to drive a car? Why would the cop have to see them pull out in front of him. Shouldn’t they have looked before they left the stop sign.
Frank Rizzo says
I always see these “deputies” on the phone, playing with their computers etc. They are always speeding also, I am not surprised this happened. There are allot of individuals who become “cops” who have no business being police officers. I know outlaws who have more honor that allot of these so called protectors of the public. Your community, your issues, your views?
@sally says
Whatever “frank rizzo”. When you need help don’t call the sheriffs department.
Nancy P says
Gee sally, what are you trying to say?
Sean says
Sounds like she’s criticizing a guy who takes his name from a racist police commissioner?
@sally says
And by the way, most of these “deputies” as you put it, are also part of this community. . Something to think about. If it wasn’t for the work they do, crime would be worse than it already is.. Believe it or not. I hope you never have to place a call for help.
Nancy P says
@sally. You must work at the station, and if there is a way for you to know who makes the comments you don’t like, I’m sure they are the people who don’t get a response to their calls for help.
I know there is a “list” of people the desk people don’t respond to. You decide that if someone has made what you consider to be too many calls to the station, they must be a crackpot. haha They might be the eyes and ears of their neighborhood.
Your vindictive attitude about someone who complains about lack of response or what appears to be questionable behavior by a deputy, speaks volumes about your character. Deputies drive around talking and laughing on their cell phone all the time. It is NOT business, unless it’s “monkey business”. They speed without sirens or lights and do NOT clear intersections before they speed through them.
A cop car is the main car I am most careful about when crossing IN the crosswalk. They think they are above the law and will find some reason to make it the other persons fault. The whole gang of cops that show up will work on theories that point to the other person instead of seeing the situation for what it is.
Then years down the road…some investigation uncovers the truth.
Sean says
jesus christ, Nancy. Settle the heck down, what are you on? Yeah, I don’t particularly agree with her either, from the pattern of the way media usually presents these things, they’d be much quicker to glorify the cop if they had any particular evidence I believe, and its odd that they aren’t just looking at what the gps in the cops car said, or looking into his phone record to solve the issue of whether or not he was on the phone, and whether or not he was doing so lawfully. But jesus, talk about going out on a fishing expedition, and single out this one lady, whose maybe mislead at most.
Nancy P says
and Merry Christmas to you Sean… Sally made the comment 2 times…mislead maybe, but it sounds like a very familiar comment/threat.
Not “on” anything Sean. Just making a comment on a comment that I found threatening and condescending at the same time.
GPS/telematics and phone records won’t lie, however, I’m sure someone will step up and say he was “on a call”.
Concerned-citizens says
It’s called an MDC. . Wannabe?
George says
Perhaps it is called different things between different departments. LASD calls it their “MDT”. Thus their code 1M is “monitor your MDT buffer” and 1B is “clear your MDT buffer”. My son is an officer and this is what’s in his code book. However I do NOT defend anything else “Michael” stated.
Concerned-citizen says
@george- it has changed in the last two years. It use to be MDT. With the old system and has since been updated when new equipment was installed. Lasd in fact Refers to their system now as “MDC”. You can ask youR son. It isn’t a big deal, but those terms now reference different systems entirely. The old and the new.