Teen Denies Charges in Guard’s Death
SYLMAR — A 17-year-old North Hollywood boy denied a petition Thursday charging him with vehicular manslaughter in the death of a crossing guard last November, officials said.
During his arraignment at Sylmar Juvenile Court, he also denied charges of driving at an unsafe speed and making an illegal turn, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
His denial was equivalent to a not guilty plea in an adult court.
William Hooper, 60, of Tujunga, died after he was struck in front of Lankershim Elementary School at Magnolia Boulevard and Bakman Avenue on Nov. 21.
Police said the boy apparently lost control of the station wagon and drove up on a curb, hitting Hooper.
Last month, after lobbying from parents at Lankershim Elementary, city officials said they have drawn up plans to install a traffic signal at Magnolia and Bakman.
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