Suspected drunken driver struck two pedestrians who had just exited a parked car
April 12, 2026 | North Hollywood, CA
A devastating collision claimed the lives of two pedestrians early Sunday when a suspected impaired driver veered off course along Colfax Avenue.
Azusena Barragan, 50, died after a suspected DUI driver struck pedestrians on Colfax Avenue near Calvert Street in North Hollywood.
What Happened in the North Hollywood Crash?
The incident unfolded around 2:25 a.m. north of Calvert Street. A gray Acura, reportedly traveling at an unsafe speed, struck two individuals who had just stepped out of a parked Toyota Camry. The collision propelled the pedestrians northward onto the roadway.
The Acura then collided with the Camry, which carried three occupants, before continuing into a private driveway and damaging several unoccupied parked vehicles.
- Date and Time: April 12, approximately 2:25 a.m.
- Location: Colfax Avenue, north of Calvert Street, North Hollywood, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Gray Acura, suspect vehicle, Toyota Camry, parked with occupants
- Victims:
- Azusena Barragan, 50, was transported to the hospital and later died from multiple blunt-force injuries
- 35-year-old male pedestrian, pronounced dead at the scene
- Other Injuries: Three Camry occupants suffered minor injuries
- Suspect: 31-year-old male driver arrested on two counts of murder, held at Van Nuys Jail on $4 million bail, alcohol suspected as a factor
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division is leading the ongoing investigation. Witnesses or those with information are urged to contact authorities.
Why Do DUI Crashes Like This Occur?
Impaired driving remains a persistent threat on roadways, often leading to preventable tragedies. According to the National Safety Council, alcohol, drugs, or medications contribute to about 10% of fatal automobile accidents nationwide, making these incidents the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths.
Factor |
Contribution to Fatal Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Alcohol Impairment |
10% of all fatal accidents |
National Safety Council |
Drug Impairment |
Varies, often combined with alcohol |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Speeding (in this case, unsafe speed) |
Increases severity by up to 50% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Pedestrian Vulnerabilities |
Higher risk at night and in urban areas |
CDC |
Legal Insights
Newsline consulted national legal analysts to provide perspective on incidents involving impaired drivers and pedestrian safety.
"Drivers under the influence face criminal charges when their actions result in harm or loss of life in motor vehicle crashes," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "In cases such as this, families may pursue civil remedies for compensation beyond any criminal proceedings."
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Impaired driving not only invites criminal penalties but also opens avenues for civil lawsuits to address damages.
- Victims' families can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional impacts.
- Early legal consultation ensures rights are protected during investigations.
"The emotional toll of losing a loved one in a preventable crash is immense," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Pursuing a wrongful death claim helps families navigate grief while holding parties accountable."
For families affected, resources like a wrongful death claim may cover loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and distress. Analysts emphasize the importance of staying informed on official investigations to safeguard interests.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).