A Californian wrong-way driver plowed into Los Angeles County sheriff's recruits, killing and injuring some people.
The killer driver was arrested Thursday, Nov. 8. Authorities were able to identify the suspect as 23-year-old Nicholas Gutierrez.
If he is proven guilty, the wrong-way driver could face up to 12 years in state prison. Here are other details shared by law enforcement officials.
California: Wrong-Way Driver Plows Into LA County Sheriff's Recruits During Training
According to Fox News' latest report, Gutierrez was already arrested back on November 16, 2022, after he crashed in Whittier. However, he was released since the incident was still being investigated by authorities back then.
Now, he was arrested again on Nov. 8 since he was charged with vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County sheriff. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said that one was killed in the wrong-way driving incident.
The DA's office added that the driver injured 24 people as well. Law enforcement authorities said that Nicholas' SUV veered onto the wrong side of the road.
After that, his are crashed into the cadets and eventually hit a nearby pole. Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva accused the man of intentionally slamming his car into the recruits.
Villanueva's success, Sheriff Robert Luna, also shared his statement regarding the crash.
"Some of them dreamed of becoming police officers and deputy sheriffs. Some of them aren't going to be able to do that," said Luna via Los Angeles Times.
Wrong-Way Driver's Lawyer Defends Suspect
The wrong-way driver's lawyer, Alexandra Kazarian, defended her client. She claimed that Gutierrez only fell asleep behind the wheel because he was on his way to work.
Kazarian also pointed out that the breathalyzer test already revealed that Nicholas wasn't under the influence of alcohol when the incident happened in 2022.
Because of this, prosecutors said that they were exploring the claim of drowsiness. However, they will not discuss the exact cause of the car crash.
As of writing, Gutierrez faces two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, as well as nine counts of reckless driving causing great bodily injury.
