The Inland Empire Crime Blog

Announcement: On October 29, 2008 just past 8:00 a.m. a tragic accident occurred. An 11 year girl was struck and killed by a female driving a Nissin Pathfinder. The victim, Meri Nalbandian, was a sixth grader on her way to Toll Middle School.

Upon being struck, the Glendale Fire Department responded to aid the victim and transported her to Glendale Adventist Hospital. At 10:08 a.m. she was pronounced by hospital staff.

The Glendale Police Department Traffic Bureau responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Preliminarily, the investigation has revealed that the victim was dropped off by her mother. The student walked to and waited at the crosswalk for vehicles to yield. Westbound traffic yielded to the victim and Ms. Nalbandian proceeded to walk across the street when she was struck by the Nissin Pathfinder traveling eastbound. The driver has been identified as Yurie Park, 38 years of age.

The vehicle was traveling at approximately 10 miles per hour and it does not appear that her speed or those of others were a factor. The preliminary investigation has also revealed that the crosswalk was well marked, no other vehicles were impeding or blocking the flow of traffic and there were no pedestrians illegally in the roadway. The driver was apparently distracted and did not see the victim and failed to yield, resulting in the fatal accident.

The Glendale Police Department has obtained video of the accident which has greatly assisted in the investigation. Ms. Park, a mother herself, had just dropped off her child moments earlier, has been very cooperative and is not being held pending the completion of the investigation and presentation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

This is the third pedestrian related fatality in the City of Glendale. Overall pedestrian related accidents are down 30% from last year.

The Glendale Police Department would like to remind everyone to drive cautiously and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Friday, October 31st is Halloween, and during the early evening hours there will be numerous children in our neighborhoods trick or treating. Please Drive Safely.

By: Sgt. Tom Lorenz 818-535-1958
Date Posted: 10/30/2008 9:42:31 AM
Bulletin Number: 08-47
DR Number: 08-0030
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