Pedestrian Killed by Motorist Identified

By Jorge Casuso

The pedestrian who was struck and killed by a motorist on Pico Boulevard early Friday night has been identified as Elias Garcia, 37, of Los Angeles, according to the County Coroners office.

A police investigation found that Garcia "ran zig zagging into eastbound traffic and was struck by an eastbound vehicle" on the 2300 block of Pico at approximately 7 p.m., according to Lt. Gary Gallinot, the department's spokesman.

"Further investigation revealed that the pedestrian had been drinking and ran into mid block in front of oncoming traffic, a violation of pedestrian in the roadway," Gallinot said.

Results of toxicology tests will not be reported for six to eight weeks, said Scott Carrier, the spokesman for the county coroner.

Garcia, who had several previous arrests for public intoxication, was pronounced dead at the scene after having suffered massive head injuries, Gallinot said.

Charges will not be filed against the motorist, who was driving a 1996 Acura, Gallinot said. The male driver was accompanied by a female passenger.