Matthew Parker, 25, is accused of drunk driving, speeding, running a red light in Whittier and broadsiding another vehicle on Friday afternoon, reports City News Service. Parker was traveling westbound on Mulberry Drive at Laurel Avenue in his 2004 Toyota Highlander when the crash occurred around 1:10pm. The victim’s car is described as a 2005 Toyota Corolla, which was making a left turn from southbound Laurel Avenue to eastbound Mulberry Drive.
The suspect’s vehicle struck the Corolla where three-year-old Lany Castillo was seated. She was airlifted to USC Medical Center with major head trauma. The Corolla’s driver, Jorge Garcia, 55, and passenger, Estella Garcia, were also taken to the hospital. Estella suffered major injuries; Jorge’s injuries were minor. The couple are Lany’s grandparents.
Parker fled from the scene on foot but was found hiding in a nearby apartment complex on Carmenita Road. The passenger of the Highlander suffered minor injuries.