Chris Teagardin and Tim Schultz Killed in Lanark Street Collision [Los Angeles, CA]

Officers Arrest Oscar De La Cruz in Los Angeles Fatal Collision

Los Angeles, CA (February 9, 2023) – Just before 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Chris Teagardin, 46, Tim Schultz, 47, both died, while the authorities arrested Oscar De La Cruz, 32, in a Lanark Street collision.

A Los Angeles police officers noticed a stolen Toyota Tacoma pickup truck on South Alvarado Street near Olympic Boulevard.

The suspect driver, Oscar De La Cruz, did evasive measures to flee from the officers and drove north on Woodman Avenue into Panorama City. The vehicle collided with a Honda Civic wherein Chris Teagardin and Tim Schultz were riding in the 13700 block of Lanark Street near Woodman Avenue.

Moreover, De La Cruz and his passenger fled on foot but were arrested. One suspect sustained injuries during a use of force takedown and was also shot with a Taser.

Best Friends Killed in L.A. Crash

Unfortunately, one of the occupants in the Civic died at the scene while the second victim died on the way to the hospital.

Court records showed Oscar De La Cruz had an extensive criminal history. The court convicted De La Cruz of a burglary in March 2021 and sentenced in February 2022 to 32 months in jail. Even if the court gave him credit for time served beginning in March 2021, De La Cruz should have still been in jail at the time of the collisiom. 

LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said they had transitioned to “tracking mode,” and had dropped back and stopped the chase minutes before the collision happened. 

“We try to conduct these instances where we go in pursuit as safely as possible with all the tools that we have. That’s why we request an air unit right away. That’s why we look at going to tracking mode as soon as we can,” said Hamilton. “But at the same time we have to balance that with a community member who has requested the police department to respond because their vehicle is being stolen.”

Chris Teagardin and Tim Schultz were best friends since childhood.

In the meantime, officers are still investigating the Los Angeles fatal collision.

We at Sweet Lawyers would like to send our sincere sympathies to the loved ones of Chris Teagardin and Tim Schultz. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.

Speak With Our Wrongful Death Attorneys

Road accident rates continuously increase anywhere even with the additional safety features on newer vehicle models.

In truth, the aftermath of a fatal collision can follow you for months, even years, if you don’t have your legal doubts cleared by an expert.

Therefore, we must be aware of what to do if we lost a loved one in a traffic accident similar to the Lanark Street collision.

Experiencing pain and difficulties because of other people’s negligence is a big no to us. That is why, to the bereaved of Chris Teagardin and Tim Schultz, call us.

Sweet Lawyers‘ wrongful death attorneys will find our clients the most favorable possible outcome. We will achieve the justice and compensation you and your family truly deserve.

Call us at (800) 674 7852. Our team of legal experts would be very glad to discuss with you possible ways how we can help you with your legal case. You can call us any time of the day and any day of the week.