Northridge pursuit crash: CSUN student on way home from work killed by suspect fleeing from LAPD

Innocent driver killed in crashing following LAPD pursuit

An innocent CSUN student was killed during a collision involving a suspect who was attempting to flee from police during a pursuit in Northridge.

LOS ANGELES - A 19-year-old student at California State University, Northridge, who was on his way home from work, was identified as the victim who was killed when a police chase ended in a horrific two-car collision in the San Fernando Valley overnight.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department were attempting to stop a driver wanted for an armed robbery near Roscoe Boulevard and White Oak Avenue. The suspect failed to yield and the pursuit was initiated.

A short time later, the suspect’s SUV collided with a sedan at 12:37 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Lindley Avenue in Northridge.

The driver of the sedan, later identified as Erick Barbosa-Guardado, 19, of Reseda, was pronounced dead at the scene. His aunt said he was on his way home from working a shift at T.J. Maxx in Granada Hills when the crash occurred. She said her nephew was attending classes during the day and working at a retail store at night.

T.J. Maxx released a statement saying, "We are devastated to learn of the untimely passing of our store associate Erick Barbosa-Guardado. We send our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends, as well as the many store associates who worked closely with him."

Following the crash, two suspects got out of the vehicle and took off running. The LAPD then set up a large perimeter around the area in search of the suspects.

Pursuit crash: CSUN student identified as innocent driver killed in 2-car collision

Family members said 19-year-old Erick Barbosa-Guardado was a student at Cal State Northridge and was on his way home from work when he was killed.

LAPD officials confirmed by 5 a.m. the suspect who led the pursuit was taken into custody following a K9 and helicopter search, while the second suspect remains at large.

Investigators said a loaded rifle was recovered from the SUV.

This is the third police pursuit in Los Angeles County and the second in the San Fernando Valley in recent weeks in which at least one innocent bystander was killed.

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A detailed description of the suspects was not available.