Charges Weighed Against Youth in Cyclist’s Death
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WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Authorities will seek to charge a 17-year-old with vehicular manslaughter after he allegedly drove his truck into a group of bicyclists, killing one, a sheriff’s detective said Monday.
Although the misdemeanor charge could bring the driver up to a year in jail and a fine upon conviction, he most likely would face only probation, said Sheriff’s Det. Robert Evans.
“He wasn’t drunk or driving recklessly,” Evans said. “He didn’t intend to hit those people.”
The teenage motorist told investigators he was distracted Saturday morning as he turned onto Lindero Canyon Road from Lakeview Canyon Road while driving about 35 mph in a 45-mph zone, Evans said.
The youth’s pickup went onto the sidewalk and hit five bicyclists, injuring four men and killing Mehran Delavari, 35, as he changed a flat tire, Evans said.
Two of the four injured cyclists remain hospitalized.
The case will be referred to the district attorney sometime this week, Evans said.
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