South Bay Teen Chase Suspect Charged In Fatal Crash

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 19-year-old motorist charged with killing another driver in a crash while being chased by Gardena police is expected to be arraigned Monday on vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and related felony counts.

Dalton Bolinas, of Torrance, is also charged with fleeing a pursuing peace officer's motor vehicle causing death, and driving or taking a vehicle without consent.

Bolinas, who was treated at a hospital for unspecified injuries stemming from the Dec. 22 crash, is being held in lieu of $2 million bail, according to authorities and jail records.

Phillip Barragan, 64, died at the scene of the collision that happened about 10:40 p.m. at Artesia Boulevard and Western Avenue, according to the coroner's office and the Gardena Police Department.

Gardena police Lt. Chris Cuff said officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1400 block of Artesia Boulevard.

"As the officers approached the vehicle on foot, it suddenly fled westbound at a high rate of speed, ultimately colliding with another motorist at the intersection of Artesia Boulevard and Western Avenue," the lieutenant said.

City News Service