What started as a late-night stop on a North Hollywood residential street ended in tragedy early Sunday, when police say an alleged drunk driver slammed into two pedestrians, killing both. The collision happened around 2:25 a.m., as an Acura traveling along Colfax Avenue, just north of Calvert Street, struck two people who had just gotten out of a Toyota Camry. One victim died at the scene, and the second was pronounced dead later at a hospital. Officers arrested a suspect at the scene.
According to CBS News Los Angeles, the Acura was traveling northbound on Colfax at an unsafe speed when it struck two pedestrians, then continued to crash into several parked, unoccupied cars before finally coming to a stop in a private driveway. Police told the outlet that three people remained inside the Camry and walked away with only minor injuries. Investigators say alcohol was a factor in the collision.
Suspect Identified And Detained
Per the Los Angeles Police Department, the driver was identified as 32-year-old Vidal Cruz Jr. of Pacoima. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder. LAPD officials say Valley Traffic Detectives are leading the investigation, working to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash and gather any available evidence from the scene. Authorities have not released further details about the driver’s actions immediately before impact.
Victims And Bail
One victim, a man described as being in his 30s, died at the scene, while a woman in her 50s died later at a hospital, according to CBS News Los Angeles. Officials have not yet released their names, pending notification of relatives. The same outlet reports that Cruz’s bail has been set at $4 million.
Where This Crash Fits In The City's Road-Safety Picture
This deadly overnight crash lands in the middle of Los Angeles’ ongoing fight to rein in traffic deaths and reckless driving. In late March, the City Council signed off on a pilot program that will put up to 125 speed cameras on streets across the city, a move that supporters say is aimed squarely at cutting down on high-speed collisions and protecting people walking and biking, as reported by ABC7. City transportation staff have repeatedly pointed to Vision Zero data showing that speeding and other unsafe behavior remain leading causes of deadly crashes. For more context, see LADOT's Vision Zero safety study, which city leaders say underpins their push for automated enforcement on Los Angeles’ most dangerous corridors.
Investigation Ongoing
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the investigation remains active, and detectives are asking anyone who saw the crash or has video of the incident to contact Valley Traffic Detectives. Once investigators complete their work, the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide what formal charges to file, if any. Police say additional information will be released as it becomes available.
