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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - An ex-convict pleaded no contest Monday in a crash in which a street vendor was killed last year when he was struck by a stolen Amazon delivery truck in South Los Angeles.
Cristian Jovany Ramos Sanchez, 38, was immediately sentenced to nine years and four months in state prison following his plea to one count each of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and grand theft of an automobile and his admission that he had a prior strike, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Authorities said Sanchez stole the unsecured truck as an Amazon driver was making a delivery in the 4100 block of Woodlawn Avenue, one block east of Main Street, and was driving south on Main Street at the time of the crash last Feb. 17.
"Sanchez crashed into a parked vehicle which pushed that vehicle south into additional parked vehicles, causing an accordion-style crash," police said. "The truck drove up onto the sidewalk, struck three male ... pedestrians, and came to rest after colliding into a building."
Jose Rangel, 67, died at the scene. Two other pedestrians suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment, according to police..
"Sanchez, who had fled on foot, was followed by community members who called 911," police said. "A Los Angeles Police Department airship responded and located Sanchez in the area of 51st Street and Broadway. Patrol officers were directed to Sanchez, and he was taken into custody."
Sanchez has remained behind bars since his arrest, according to jail records.
Mourners subsequently gathered for a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to Rangel.