Suicidal Driver Rams Deputy in Northridge Hoping to Get Shot

A sheriff’s deputy driving a marked patrol car in Northridge was rear-ended today by a suicidal motorist, authorities said.

Deputy Maria Ramirez who works with the sheriff’s Civil Management Bureau was going southbound on Reseda Boulevard near Prairie Street at 5:15 a.m. when a vehicle driven by 32-year-old Daniel Hoon Chang ran into her, according to Deputy Amber Smith of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

Ramirez got out of her vehicle to check on Chang, and she saw that his air bags had been deployed. She found Chang was breathing but not responsive and called for medical attention.

As Los Angeles police who had responded to the call were talking to Ramirez, Chang ran to her car, got in the driver’s seat and tried to drive away. However, Ramirez had taken the keys, preventing Chang from starting the car.

Chang was detained, Smith said.

Chang later told officers that he had intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle so police would shoot and kill him. He was arrested for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and held on $50,000 bail.

Ramirez was taken to a hospital for minor injuries and then released.

• City News Service