LA Mayor Garcetti Was Passenger in Police Car That Struck Pedestrian

The mayor says he was on the phone and did not witness the crash

The mayor of Los Angeles was a passenger in a police car that struck a pedestrian Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles, according to his office.

Mayor Eric Garcetti was traveling in an LAPD vehicle when it hit a woman about 12:20 p.m. near Second and Spring streets. Garcetti’s office said the mayor was on the phone and did not witness the crash, and has been interviewed by investigators.

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"Our team of investigators have sat down with the mayor and interviewed him just as they would any other citizen or person in this type of collision," LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman said. "He's been fully cooperative."

An unmarked LAPD sport-utility vehicle was driving the mayor eastbound on Second Street when, according to police, a woman walked into the roadway against a red light and between two vehicles, causing the crash.

The pedestrian, identified as a 59-year-old woman, was recovering in the hospital Tuesday night, Neiman said. Police first said the woman was 37 years old but later changed her age.

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"I'm very concerned about her and wish her a speedy recovery. I look forward to speaking with her soon," Garcetti said in a statement.

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