WINNETKA, CA – A 12-year-old boy with autism was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver early Monday morning after he left his home and was walking alone in the pre-dawn darkness, police said.
The fatal collision occurred around 2:45 a.m. near the intersection of Saticoy Street and Winnetka Avenue in the Winnetka neighborhood of Los Angeles. Officers from the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division responded to find the child had suffered fatal injuries.
The driver, described as a woman in her 20s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Her four-door sedan showed visible damage from the impact, captured by AIR7 helicopter footage overhead.
Investigators have not disclosed what led the boy to leave his home in the middle of the night or how long he had been walking before the collision. His autism condition may have contributed to his vulnerability during the early morning hours when traffic would typically be light.
The child has not been publicly identified pending notification of extended family members. Detectives are working to piece together his final movements and determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The suspected drunk driver remained in custody as of Monday evening. She faces potential vehicular manslaughter charges in addition to DUI counts, though formal charges had not been filed at the time of the initial report.
The case highlights the deadly consequences of impaired driving, particularly during overnight hours when pedestrians may be less visible. It also underscores the challenges families face in keeping children with developmental conditions safe.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the LAPD Valley Traffic Division.
The correct charge for anyone driving under the influence and killing someone is murder. New Jersey had a DA who was fearless in pushing for harsh sentences in DUI cases.