One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Driver Jailed For Crash That Led to Fatal Electrocutions of Good Samaritans On Scene [UPDATED]
The driver who lost control of his vehicle and toppled a light pole and sheared a fire hydrant this August in Valley Village is now behind bars.
19-year-old Arman Samsonian of Glendale turned himself in Thursday evening after learning there was a warrant issued for his arrest, according to City News Service.
The accident turned deadly in the aftermath when two women tried to give aid at the scene but were fatally electrocuted due to charged water pooling at the crash site.
Samsonian, who was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, was allegedly speeding in his SUV on Magnolia Boulevard the night of August 22 when the crash took place.
Irma Zamora, 40, was the passenger in a car driven by her husband traveling behind Samsonian prior to the crash. Zamora got of the car to help Samsonian, but was electrocuted by the charged water that had pooled as a result of the damaged hydrant. Her husband was at the scene, screaming for someone to help his wife.
Stacey Lee Schreiber, 39, a resident of the area of the crash site, rushed to Zamora's aid, likely not hearing cries of caution from other onlookers.
Six other people suffered electrical burns, and five were hospitalized for a time. One of the injured was a patrol officer from the LAPD's North Hollywood station who suffered a shock through one of his boots.
Samsonian was booked into the Van Nuys Station jail Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, and was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
UPDATE 10:45 AM: We've learned Samsonian posted bail shortly after 2:00 a.m. Friday. He is facing two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter.
Related
City Will NOT Waive Bills For Electrocuted Good Samaritans
Motorist Whose Solo Crash Caused 2 Electrocution Deaths Could Be Charged With Reckless Driving
Sister Of Driver In Valley Village Crash Says Her Brother Blames Himself For Tragedy