EspañolLAPD Officer Rushing to a Sherman Oaks Halloween Party Backup Call Strikes and Kills a Pedestrian on Woodman Avenue in Valley Glen
VALLEY GLEN, CALIFORNIA (November 1, 2026) – A 32-year-old pedestrian was killed in an accident involving a Los Angeles Police Department patrol car on Woodman Avenue in Valley Glen.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident occurred around 11:30 PM on Saturday. A female pedestrian was crossing Woodman Avenue near Bessemer Street when she was hit by a North Hollywood division patrol vehicle that was traveling down the road with its lights and sirens on.
The officer had been recently called as backup after getting a report of some type of incident at a Halloween house party on Weddington Street. Paramedics were called to the scene of the incident to help the injured woman.
Unfortunately, she was beyond medical aid and pronounced deceased in the roadway. The officer involved in the deadly pedestrian accident remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
There are conflicting accounts about the exact location where the victim was crossing. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Valley Glen Police Car Accidents
California lets police officers disregard certain traffic regulations when they are responding to an emergency under Vehicle Code section 21055. However, officers have to use their lights and sirens to alert the public of impending danger. Moreover, section 21056 makes it clear that officers are not relieved of their duty to drive in a manner that safeguards the well-being of the public. Courts will take into consideration numerous factors when evaluating liability for any accidents involving a police vehicle.
- Speed: Courts will consider the speed of the emergency vehicle.
- Conditions: Courts will also take into consideration the prevailing traffic, lighting, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
- Department Policies: Courts will review department policies related to how fast officers may travel when responding to a police encounter.
- Warning Signals: Courts will consider whether the officer had their lights and sirens on because it is a means of alerting the public.
“I was responding to an emergency” does not erase accountability for motor vehicle collisions in California. Consider, for example, Brummett v. County of Sacramento (1978). That case involved two sheriff’s deputies who were chasing a suspected bank robber at speeds of nearly 90 mph before entering into an intersection. One of the patrol vehicles collided into the side of a pickup truck waiting to turn. The court ultimately held that deputies were personally immune under section 17004 but reversed the judgment for the county. They held that 17001 can still make a public entity liable when an officer fails to exercise due regard and is involved in a collision.
Emergency Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety
Thousands of people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents involving emergency vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2024, 225 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. More than half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (56%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for 24% of the total, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 9%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 8% of the deaths.” It is important that several actions are taken after any collision involving an emergency vehicle.
- Police Report: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin collecting evidence.
- Video Footage: The dash cam footage from the officer involved should be carefully scrutinized.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records related to injuries are important and should also be preserved.
- Legal Options: The family of any person killed in a collision involving a police officer should consider their options with a team experienced in personal injury claims.
Law enforcement in California perform vital work to safeguard the well-being of the public. Officers carry a heightened duty to protect the public from foreseeable sources of harm. It is vital that officers are trained in the proper protocols with respect to emergency response. Unfortunately, this often does not happen. Many officers act with a sense of impunity as they break department policies and endanger the public. Family members of any person killed in a motor vehicle collision with the police are able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Police Car Accidents in Valley Glen
We at Carrillo Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the 32-year-old woman killed while walking on Woodman Avenue in Valley Glen. We hope a transparent investigation brings accountability and safer emergency-driving practices that protect other pedestrians. There needs to be a thorough review into all of the decisions that led up to this encounter. It raises serious safety concerns.
Do you need more information about a motor vehicle collision involving law enforcement in California? Our team of civil rights advocates is here to assist you. We care deeply that the victims are aware of their rights and that police departments are held fully accountable for negligent conduct of their officers. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
