Kayla Woods, a 6-year-old girl, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after a vehicle that was being pursued by police struck her as she was playing in a front yard of a residential neighborhood. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the tragic accident occurred the evening of June 11, 2010 after officers began chasing suspects who they believe were involved in a drug deal near Foothill and Van Nuys boulevards.

Fleeing Car Crashes into Yard

Kayla was apparently playing with friends in the 11900 block of Fenton Avenue when the out-of-control sedan struck her. Police say the pursuit was very brief. The fleeing suspects threw two handguns out the window and almost immediately after that, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the neighborhood yard. LAPD officers arrested 32-year-old Aaron Esqueda Rojas, Joaquin Hiriarte and Manuel Araujo. The three face a number of charges including felony evading resulting in death.


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My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this little girl. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kayla Woods. Here was a child who was just playing with her friends and having a good time when everything changed in a moment. Tragic! Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers. It is indeed fortunate that none of the other children were killed or suffered any catastrophic injuries.

Was the Police Pursuit Justified?

Based on this news report, it appears that the accident was triggered by a police chase. California law provides immunity to police departments that have adopted a "vehicle pursuit policy." California Vehicle Code Section 17004 states: "A public agency employing peace officers that adopts and promulgates a written policy on, and provides regular and periodic training on an annual basis for, vehicular pursuits … is immune from liability for civil damages for personal injury to or death of any person or damage to property resulting from the collision of a vehicle being operated by an actual or suspected violator of the law who is being, has been, or believes he or she is being or has been, pursued in a motor vehicle by a peace officer employed by the public entity."

There is no question that the suspects in this case should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, in such cases, it is also important to look into whether police officers followed proper procedures. Was this pursuit worth putting the lives of innocent bystanders at risk? An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What is your opinion on police pursuits? Where do you think law enforcement officials should draw the line?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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