Prosecutors were reviewing whether to file charges against Los Angeles City Assistant Fire Chief Ellsworth Fortman regarding an alleged hit and run in Santa Clarita on Jan. 26, a representative with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Friday.
“A case has been presented and it is under review,” stated Greg Risling, a spokesman for the D.A.’s Office, via email Friday.
The case presented against Fortman by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on Wednesday was first reported Jan. 26 at approximately 10:30 p.m., near the intersection of David Way and Calhaven Drive.
“One vehicle had run into the back of a parked vehicle,” said Sgt. Scott Shoemaker of the SCV Sheriff’s Station Traffic Unit.
Shoemaker declined to give the suspect’s name, but said the suspect’s vehicle, after ramming into the victim’s vehicle, then pushed the vehicle 160 feet and up a driveway.
“It collided into a second parked vehicle,” said Shoemaker, adding that the driver then left the scene, but not before knocking over a light pole, as well.
Deputies then went to the alleged suspect’s home to check on his welfare. However, the driver “did not acknowledge the deputies,” Shoemaker said.
Deputies were able to locate what they believe to be the suspect’s vehicle involved in the suspected hit and run, then impounded the vehicle as evidence, Shoemaker said.
“It was a misdemeanor hit and run … it’s a property damage-type crime,” Shoemaker said. “And we presented it to the District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, and it’s over at their office for review.”
No arrests have yet been made in connection to the incident.
LAFD administrator Tisha Williams confirmed Friday that Fortman was an employee for the department who works out of headquarters in the city of Los Angeles.
However, Williams said the LAFD was not commenting on the alleged hit and run.
“That incident took place outside of our service area,” Williams said.
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4 Comments
Why would they NOT file charges? Parked car went “160 feet”? Sounds like a pretty serious impact. And he “did not acknowledge deputies”? That’s what guilty people do (well, don’t do.). Sad to say, but he should be held accountable before he kills someone… or himself.
Why would they NOT file charges? Clearly he got away with drunk driving, but they should at least book him for hit-and-run.
Why would they NOT book him!? He clearly got away with drunk driving. At least book him for hit-and-run. Let’s hope next time he doesn’t kill a child, a pedestrian..or himself.
Why would they NOT book him? That’s crazy! He may have gotten away with a DUI, but at least book him for hit-and-run. Let’s hope next time he doesn’t kill someone, or himself.