Gardener struck, critically injured by alleged drunken driver in Pico Rivera

PICO RIVERA — A gardener remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition Thursday after being struck by an alleged drunken driving while removing equipment from his truck in a residential neighborhood, authorities said.
The crash took place just before noon Wednesday in the 9500 block of Rosehedge Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Robert Smith said.
The gardener, a man estimated to be in his 40s, had his truck parked along the roadside and was in the back unloading lawn mowers and other supplied when his truck was hit, the lieutenant said.
Dena Luna, 51, of Pico Rivera was driving down the street at a “high rate of speed,” Smith said, believed to be in excess of 50 mph.
Her car first struck a parked car before slamming into the gardener’s truck, Smith said. The man was thrown 30 to 40 feet by the impact.
He suffered major injuries to his head and body, officials added.
Smith said Luna also suffered significant injuries in the crash, including a punctured lung and broken ribs. Her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
She was hospitalized for treatment prior to booking on suspicion of felony drunken driving.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email