Los Angeles police arrested a 61-year-old driver on Wednesday, November 11, following a minivan crash that killed three women and critically injured two others. The driver, identified as Ihor Demianenko, faces three counts of murder and is suspected of driving under the influence.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, during the evening rush hour at a busy intersection in the North Hollywood neighborhood. A minivan drove onto the sidewalk outside a metro station, striking pedestrians and food vendors. Witnesses described hearing a loud noise before seeing debris and injured individuals scattered near bike racks and station stairs.
Mr. Demianenko was treated for minor injuries at a hospital before being booked early Wednesday. Records indicate his bail has been set at a little over $6 million. At a news conference, Los Angeles Police Captain Warner Castillo stated that officials have not yet determined if the crash was intentional or accidental.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators are reviewing video footage frame by frame to determine the exact sequence of events. While one entrance to the metro station was closed Tuesday night, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that bus and subway services remained operational.
The names of the victims have not been released. Demianenko's court dates were not immediately reported.