![[Left image] The fatal Palmdale crash occurred around 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, on 40th Street East, north of Bella Vita Way. [Right image] Douglas Fiddament, Facebook photo](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Douglas-Fiddament-and-crash-scene.jpg)
Authorities say Douglas Vernon Fiddament of Pearblossom was behind the wheel of a 1997 Dodge Ram with an RV trailer attached that crashed into a school bus on southbound 40th Street East, north of Bella Vita Way in Palmdale, about 6:10 a.m. Jan. 13.
Manuel Lopez, a 33-year-old passenger in the truck, was killed.
The bus driver was not injured, and no children were on the school bus at the time.
Fiddament is charged with one count each of murder, identity theft and receiving stolen property, two counts of possession for sale of methamphetamine and three counts of driving or taking a vehicle without consent – two of which involve the pickup truck and trailer and the other involving a Jeep Wrangler that was allegedly taken a few weeks earlier.
The criminal complaint also includes the allegations that Fiddament was convicted in September 2013 of taking a vehicle without consent and that he was free on bail at the time of the crash.
Fiddament is due back in a Lancaster courtroom June 15 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
[Information via City News Service.]
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Previous related stories:
Man charged in deadly crash with school bus
Alleged DUI driver rear-ends school bus in stolen vehicle, passenger killed
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don't judge says
Ok dude who knows so much. FYI he wasn’t drunk stupid and the passenger BTW was here illegally and just so happens he was wanted for the murder of his wife. So before you go all political get correct and get over your holier then thou self PRICK
can judge says
To don’t judge,
Shame on you for those slanderous lies against the the innocent victim who was killed when drugged Doug was driving another stolen vehicle.
Matter of fact, Doug was out on bail for stealing a vehicle just prior to his latest escapade.
Manual, the passenger who was killed, was not here illegally. He also had a full time job at a local market, unlike Doug- the victim legally worked for his money.
Manual, the victim- unlike Doug- never murdered anyone, and he was not married nor did he have a wife to murder- period. You are scandalous.
Bus driver dan says
Add to the story about the bus driver was parked there because they didn’t have to pick a student that was no longer on thier route but they didn’t inform dispatch so they were fraudulently getting hours for work and keeping students that no longer live in the area on thier roster….. Bus should not have been parked there!
can judge says
What’s your point bus driver? You are comparing a working class citizen to a drugged up thieving murdering low life to this bus driver. SMH. You are insane.
Baby's momma says
I have two small children with him and at first I didn’t know he was this kind of person. I wish that he wasn’t such a coward now my kids will never know their father because he will be in jail for the rest of his life. I think my kids are better off though.
:) says
No he wont hes got some time but not thevrest of his life stay strong dougie fresh :)
Danny says
Poor kid realy wish he would get life what a total fool. Be a man and blame yourself what a coward!
J says
Hope he gets the help he so obviously needs…
ashlee says
Poor kid. He’s probably going thru it. Keep ur head up love your life Dougie.
Really? says
Poor kid? Don’t know what planet your from, but get a clue. Also, he is an adult.
Bob says
Ashlee is another prime example of a bleeding heart liberal that feels more sorry for the drunk scum bag driver that caused the death of his friend.
Mark says
How do you know Ashlee is a bleeding heart liberal, and not a no knowledge conservative who just happens to be friends with this individual?