NORTH HILLS (CNS) – Police today announced the arrest of a young woman who, while allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash, triggered a two-vehicle collision in North Hills that killed a man and left eight other people injured, including herself and four children.
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the motorist as Saidy Samayoa, 20, and said she and her two male passengers remain hospitalized with severe injuries. She is expected to face murder and other charges, according to police.
About 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Samayoa, driving a white 2000 Toyota 4-Runner, was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash at Sepulveda Boulevard and Parthenia Street, according to the LAPD.
She allegedly sped away westbound on Parthenia Street, failed to stop at a red light and crashed into a white Toyota Sienna van that was traveling northbound on Haskell Avenue.
Multiple passengers were ejected, and one vehicle rolled over, said Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The man driving the Sienna, a North Hills resident whose name was withheld pending family notification, died at an area hospital. The four children seated in the rear of the van suffered severe injuries. A front seat passenger was also hurt, but the severity of that person’s injuries were unclear.
The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team was called to the hospital to help the family deal with the trauma, according to LAPD Sgt. Kurt Smith.
The team, which was formed in 1998, consists of volunteers who respond to traumatic incidents at the request of the police and fire departments, providing support and referrals for additional aid.
Samayoa was arrested on suspicion of murder. Her two male passengers were also severely injured.
LAPD Valley Traffic detectives asked anyone who saw either crash to call them at (818) 644-8025.