Police Seeking Witnesses to Fatal Crash in North Hollywood; 2 Arrested

A 29-year-old motorist was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, and his 21-year-old female passenger was jailed for suspicion of conspiracy, following a crash that fatally injured a motorcyclist in North Hollywood, police said today.

Austin Michael Clay, of Valencia, was driving a red 2007 Toyota Camry north on Lankershim Boulevard at Magnolia Boulevard when he made a left turn, into the path of a southbound 2006 Yamaha motorcycle, according to a department statement.

The Toyota continued west on Magnolia Boulevard, with witnesses driving behind. Within a half mile, the Toyota stopped momentarily and the passenger, Stephanie Hernandez, switched positions with Clay, according to witness statements from police. The Toyota was then stopped by a motorist who detained the occupants until the police arrived.

Paramedics rushed the motorcyclist to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the statement. His name was not released a day after the crash, as coroners worked to notify relatives.

Clay was held in lieu of $100,000 bail, and Hernandez was held in lieu of $50,000 bail. Police had no hometown to release for her.

Valley Traffic Division detectives asked anyone who saw the crash to call them at (818) 644-8022.

--City News Service