Pedestrian Fatally Struck by City Vehicle on 170 Freeway

North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA: A pedestrian was struck and killed by a Los Angeles city vehicle on the 170 Freeway Tuesday night, May 31, in the North Hollywood area of the San Fernando Valley, according to authorities.

According to the CHP news release of the incident, a 2005 silver Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on the 170 Freeway northbound, south of Victory Boulevard, in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane at an unknown speed at approximately 10:27 p.m. For unknown reasons, the pedestrian was standing within the HOV lane and as a result, the Ford struck the pedestrian as the vehicle proceeded northbound.

The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, said CHP in a statement. The pedestrian has been identified by CHP at this time as a 30-year-old male until next of kin is notified.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the driver of the Ford, identified as Joseph Avalos, 54, of Los Angeles, to Holy Cross Hospital for complaint of pain to his back, according to CHP.

Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations confirmed to Key News Network that the vehicle involved is a Los Angeles city vehicle and the driver is believed to be a city employee.

Front end damage to the vehicle can be seen on Key News Network video from the location.

In an update of the incident, Avalos is reported to be a Los Angeles Police Department reserve officer who runs the mayor’s Crisis Response Team which trains volunteers to respond to crisis situations such as shootings, serious traffic accidents, suicides or killings, acting as liaisons between the crisis survivors and department officials.

California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Northbound freeway lanes were closed for an extended period of time due to the collision.

If anyone witnessed this collision or has information, please contact CHP West Valley area office at (818) 888-0980.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Video: Keith Johnson, Photojournalist / KNN