FONTANA, CALIF. – Three children, ages 9 to 15, were killed in a violent car crash Wedesnday night when fleeing from the California Highway Patrol after a routine traffic stop.
The 15-year old driver, Devon Keeten, sped away from the CHP after he was stopped for running a red light. Keeten ran several more red lights reaching speeds of 90 mph before he lost control of the vehicle, crashed through a wall and flew into a nearby home. Keeten and his 11-year-old friend were ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Keeten’s 9-year-old brother, Dylan Green, who was buckled in the rear passenger seat, died at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center a short time later.
The CHP said the three were on an apparent joy ride in a family member’s Nissan Maxima. The pursuit began in Fontana, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.
The owner of the single story home, Edward Pimentel was in his living room with his wife and two grandchildren when he heard a big bang. He grabbed the children and ran outside believing it to be an earthquake when he noticed parts of the vehicle covering the street. Nobody in the home was injured, but it was so badly destroyed that a city code enforcement officer labeled it as uninhabitable.
The boys’ mother was at work at the time of the accident. An investigation is still underway.
Though this accident could likely have been prevented, there are auto accidents every day where a negligent driver seriously injures or kills another individual. In these cases, it is important to obtain experienced legal counsel to hold the responsible parties liable and get you through this emotional and financially stressful time. The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP have handled numerous auto accident, serious personal injury and wrongful death claims obtaining various settlements for our clients.
For more information or for a free consultation, contact the San Diego personal injury attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP.