Irwindale, CA (July 9, 2024) – On Tuesday evening, Raul Castaneda, 50, of San Gabriel, tragically lost his life when a stolen vehicle struck him while he was bicycling in Irwindale, California.
Accident Details and Investigation: This incident occurred in the evening near the intersection of Arrow Highway and Rivergrade Road. The sequence of events began when El Monte Police officers responded to a report of a stolen SUV from a Toyota dealership on Peck Road. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect, Jonathon Del Carmen Calixto, 29, of Hanford, fled the scene, initiating a short pursuit. The chase was called off after less than a minute, but shortly thereafter, the SUV collided with Castaneda. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Castaneda on the roadway and attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the crash, Calixto fled on foot but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody. He now faces multiple felony charges, including murder, and is being held at the West Covina Jail.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Liability of the Driver: Jonathon Del Carmen Calixto, the driver of the stolen vehicle, is facing serious charges, including murder. His actions led to the fatal accident that killed Castaneda. An investigation will focus on the extent of his criminal liability for the reckless disregard for human life displayed.
- Police Pursuit Protocols: Another critical aspect is the role of the police pursuit. Although the chase was called off quickly, it remains essential to scrutinize whether the initiation of the pursuit adhered to proper protocols and whether it was justified under the circumstances.
- Possible Civil Claims: Depending on the investigation’s outcome, the family of Raul Castaneda may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against Jonathon Del Carmen Calixto. Additionally, depending on the findings related to the police pursuit, there could be potential claims against the police department if it is determined that the pursuit was conducted negligently or in violation of established protocols.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Raul Castaneda during this heartbreaking time.
Source: FOX LA