The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is investigating whether it should file criminal charges in the August deaths of two women who were electrocuted as they tried to rescue the driver of a crashed vehicle in Valley Village.
Around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 22, Glendale resident Arman Samsonian, 19, lost control of his car while trying to make a turn, shearing a hydrant and a power pole at Magnolia Boulevard and Ben Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Downed power lines mixed with gushing water, creating a 4,000-volt charge that killed nearby resident Stacy Schreiber, 39, and 40-year-old Irma Zamora of Burbank when they attempted to render aid, according to the LAPD.
Patch last reported that authorities were investigating the accident as a reckless driving case, but in an email, North Hollywood Division Capt. Peter Whittingham says the matter has been handed over to the district attorney's office for a ruling.
Patch will keep you posted once a decision has been made.
More than to cover a bill the Los Angeles Fire Deaprtment charged to the victims' families, while a replacement light post at the crash site was removed until a new, lower energy lighting system is installed at the intersection.
