Janine Marnien
A teenage girl was in critical condition Tuesday after being hit
in a crosswalk by a driver suspected of being under the influence of
alcohol.
The teenager was walking inside a crosswalk at 8:45 p.m. Monday at
Pennsylvania and Altura avenues when La Crescenta resident Carnell
Parks allegedly struck her with his sport-utility vehicle, CHP
Officer Vince Ramirez said.
Parks was traveling north on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the teenager
was walking west in the crosswalk.
Authorities on Tuesday said they do not know the identity of the
teenager. Ramirez said he didn't know why the girl's identity remains
unknown.
"She was almost to the center of the street when the left front of
the vehicle hit her and knocked her to the ground," he said.
Authorities estimate the SUV was traveling between 30 and 35 mph.
The girl was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital.
Parks, 51, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the
influence, Ramirez said.
The crosswalk is on the street that marks the dividing line
between unincorporated La Crescenta and the Glendale annex. Former
Crescenta Valley Town Council President Danette Erickson said that
shouldn't stop the advisory body from pursuing measures to make the
area safer for pedestrians.
"We'd be interested in the recommendation of the CHP for that
corner," she said.
The Town Council was instrumental in securing a "smart" crosswalk
at Cloud Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, and had planned to pursue a
lighted crosswalk at Glenwood Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. Erickson
said the Town Council could change direction if that was what was
needed.
