Woman arrested for allegedly stealing car of nurse giving aid to crash victim

Los Angeles police have arrested a woman for allegedly stealing the car of a good Samaritan who had been giving medical aid to a crash victim, dragging her 60 feet and leaving her unconscious in the street after she tried to prevent the theft, authorities said Monday.

The victim, a nurse whom police did not identify, was filling up her car about 3 a.m. Sunday at a gas station at Pico Boulevard and Western Avenue when she saw a light pole fall on a pedestrian when it was struck by a vehicle.

The nurse was aiding the pedestrian when she noticed a woman -- whom the LAPD later identified as Deserie Marie Guzman, 28 -- get into the nurse's car and start the engine. The nurse ran to her car and tried to reach inside for the keys but got stuck on the steering wheel.

Guzman began driving away, and the nurse was dragged about 60 feet before falling into the street and temporarily blacking out.

Two men who saw the crime unfold followed Guzman, who eventually collided with another car near Western Avenue and 20th Street, police said. The men pulled up to Guzman, who was attempting to leave the scene, and asked if she needed a ride.

They drove to a nearby CHP station, and when they did not see any officers, they drove Guzman back to the original crime scene, where they flagged down officers.

The nurse later identified Guzman. Paramedics treated the nurse at the scene for cuts to her head and leg. The pedestrian who was hit by the light pole was pronounced dead. A man identified as Jasen Jack, 25, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing injury, in connection with the light pole incident.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Comments

[Mary]

This sounds like a soap opera!!!

[Amy]

What an unbelievable series of events!

[Aztlanista]

Ms. Guzman was just doing the work americans refuse to do

[Kevin]

My friend and I saw the scene at 3:30am. Very sad and very crazy.