A tragic incident unfolded in Los Angeles on Halloween night, resulting in the death of a 32-year-old mother, Kristine Poulos. Authorities reported that Poulos was struck by a police cruiser while officers were responding to an unruly party in the North Hollywood area.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Kristine-Poulos-110426-6b6982aebdcc4256bb071a8ee6be9913.jpg)
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the collision occurred around 11:30 PM near the intersection of Woodman Avenue and Bessemer Street. According to police, the vehicle was en route to assist with a disorderly gathering where gunshots had also been reported. “The Los Angeles Fire Department was dispatched, and unfortunately, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene,” the police statement indicated. Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during this incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scenes that followed the collision. One individual described noticing a police cruiser angled across the street, while the body of Poulos lay near the curb. This account highlights the severity of the situation and the confusion that unfolded as emergency services responded to the scene.
According to reports, the police cruiser had its lights and sirens activated at the time of the collision, and Poulos was crossing at a designated crosswalk when she was struck. The LAPD’s Multi-Disciplinary Collision Investigation Team (MCIT) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Poulos’ daughter expressed the family’s anguish over the loss, stating, “She was only 32 years old, and losing her this way has been devastating for our family.” The daughter went on to explain the profound impact of the incident on their family, which includes her sister and Poulos’ own sister. “Nobody deserves to pass this way, and we are still trying to process the pain of what happened.”
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with funeral costs for Poulos. Since its inception, nearly £4,000 (approximately $4,900) has been raised to help give her the “peaceful burial she deserves.” The campaign has garnered support from friends and even strangers, highlighting the community’s desire to help the grieving family during such a difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the LAPD has not disclosed Poulos’ identity, as they are awaiting confirmation from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner after notifying her family. Nonetheless, the GoFundMe page has provided clarity by confirming her identity and the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.
The incident has raised significant concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly at crosswalks, and the actions of emergency vehicles responding to calls. As the community reels from this loss, calls for increased caution and awareness during emergency responses become ever more pressing.
In the wake of this tragedy, the family and community come together in mourning, reflecting on the profound loss of a young life taken too soon. As investigations continue, many hope for answers that can bring some level of closure to the grieving family and prevent similar incidents in the future.
About the Author
