MELROSE—A fatal traffic collision involving two vehicles and a pedestrian occurred on Thursday, August 1, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Martel Avenue, westbound of Melrose Avenue. The driver has been identified as Jacob Gralitzer, 27. He was arrested for manslaughter and driving under the influence. DUI charges, the Los Angeles Police Department report.
According to reports, Gralitzer caused the crash after colliding with another vehicle that was negotiating a left turn onto Martel Avenue. He veered onto the sidewalk at the corner at the southeast of the intersection, striking a traffic light and a pedestrian, whose name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Gralitzer was driving at a high-rate of speed during the incident.
Both drivers involved in the accident remained at the scene and provided statements to the authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department rushed the pedestrian, who sustained major blunt force trauma to his head, to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).
