Family speaks out after after skateboarder killed by LAPD cruiser in Highland Park
The heartbroken family of a skateboarder who was struck and killed by an LAPD vehicle in Highland Park is speaking out as they try to pick up the pieces following the tragic loss.
Jerry Estrada, 30, was skateboarding home from work when he was fatally struck by a police SUV Friday night, while a carnival was underway at a nearby park.
"He was a great person, a great son, brother, uncle," said Rosa Cazares, the man's mother.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Estrada was riding in the median in the middle of Figueroa Street, heading southbound. At the same time, an LAPD patrol vehicle with its lights and sirens on was heading northbound, also in the median as it passed traffic on the busy road.
Jerry's brother wants to know why police were in such a rush, while going to simply assist other officers who were already at a scene searching for a parolee.
"We want justice. We want them to take responsibility for what they did," he said. "...To kill him on impact, in front of a carnival. They were speeding. What if it was a couple of kids crossing the street?"
The growing memorial of candles and flowers at Sycamore Grove Park includes a skateboard, which friends say Jerry always had.
Friends and co-workers said the other thing he also always carried: a big smile that lit up a room.
"We just always had a great time around him. He always had a smile on his face and he could literally talk about anything with anyone," said Angele Gonzales-Torres. "It was just always great running into him around town. He was really part of the community and loved his community."
As loved ones try to make sense of what police are calling a "tragic accident," they're also trying to focus on how Jerry lived his life.
"He grew up to be a good man. A good son... He was good, he was good to us... always happy," Cazares said.
Meanwhile, police are still investigating the fatal incident.
Police said the officer was not driving at an excessive speed when they hit Estrada, but ultimately the investigation will reveal how fast they were going.
