Chatsworth, CA – Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division arrested a male driver after being involved in a fatal traffic collision.
On January 4, 2022, around 7:10 p.m., a 2006 red Toyota Tacoma was traveling westbound on Plummer Street when it collided with a female bicyclist in her 30’s and a male bicyclist in his 50’s who were also travelling westbound on Plummer Street. The Toyota Tacoma fled from the scene and was involved in several other traffic collisions with vehicles and property. It ultimately collided with a wall on Knapp Street west of De Soto Avenue where it came to rest. The driver was detained by witnesses until the police arrived at scene.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene. The two bicyclists died at scene. The identities of the two bicyclists will be withheld pending notification to their next-of-kin.
The male driver of the Toyota Tacoma was identified as Nelson Rodriguez, a 58-year-old resident of Chatsworth, who was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Nelson Rodriguez was arrested for 187(A) PC-Murder.
Drivers are reminded not to DRINK AND DRIVE. Drinking and driving combined with other traffic violations kills innocent lives. This reckless act carries serious consequences.
Anyone with information about this traffic collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division, Officer Takishita at (818) 644-8116 or Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8022. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.