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Northridge Crash: Five Injured, Driver Faces Reckless Driving Charges

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. jured-driver-faces-reckless-driving-charges.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 14:31 GMT by Patch

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Five Injured in Northridge Crash Involving Los Angeles County Inmate Transport Van; Driver Facing Reckless Charges

A chaotic multi-vehicle collision in Northridge, California, on Tuesday afternoon left five people injured and resulted in the arrest of a driver suspected of reckless driving. The crash, which involved an LA County Sheriff's Department inmate transport van, significantly disrupted traffic and prompted a swift response from emergency services. While no inmates were seriously harmed, the incident raises questions about vehicle safety and operational procedures within the county’s correctional system.

According to initial reports from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), the collision occurred around 2:30 PM near Woodman Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge. The primary vehicle involved was a white Ford Explorer driven by a 28-year-old man, identified as Kevin Jones of Van Nuys. Jones reportedly ran a red light at a high rate of speed, colliding with an LA County Sheriff’s Department inmate transport van. This impact then triggered a chain reaction involving two other vehicles – a Toyota Camry and a Honda Civic.

The LASD inmate transport van was carrying eight inmates at the time of the crash, all of whom were being transported from Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles to a court appearance. Thankfully, due to the safety features and restraints within the vehicle, none of the inmates sustained significant injuries. They were assessed on-scene by paramedics before being transferred to another transport van and taken to their scheduled court appearances. The Sheriff’s Department confirmed that all inmates remained in custody throughout the ordeal.

The occupants of the other vehicles involved fared less well. The driver and passenger in the Toyota Camry, as well as both occupants of the Honda Civic, sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Paramedics responded immediately and transported all four individuals to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions are currently listed as stable. Jones, the driver who initiated the collision, also received medical attention at the scene before being taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Jones was booked on suspicion of reckless driving causing injury. The LASD Valley Traffic Division is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including examining potential factors such as speed, impairment (although initial reports indicate no evidence of drugs or alcohol), and driver distraction. Jones' bail has been set at $100,000.

The incident highlights the complexities of operating inmate transport vehicles within a densely populated urban environment. These vans are often large and heavily armored to ensure security, but their size also presents challenges in terms of maneuverability and visibility. The LA County Sheriff’s Department utilizes these specialized vehicles to move inmates between correctional facilities, courts, and medical appointments, a critical function requiring careful planning and execution.

This isn't the first incident involving an LA County inmate transport van. While serious accidents are relatively rare, previous incidents have prompted reviews of driver training protocols and vehicle maintenance schedules. In 2018, another inmate transport van was involved in a minor collision, prompting internal discussions about safety procedures (information gleaned from general searches regarding LASD inmate transport). The current investigation will likely focus on ensuring that the department’s practices align with best practices for safely operating these specialized vehicles, particularly given the vulnerable population they are transporting.

The closure of Woodman Avenue between Parthenia Street and Lassen Street significantly impacted traffic flow in the area following the crash. Authorities worked to clear the scene and reopen roadways as quickly as possible, but delays were expected throughout the afternoon commute. The Northridge incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for serious consequences when drivers disregard traffic laws and operate vehicles recklessly.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are likely to emerge as authorities analyze evidence and conduct interviews with witnesses. The LASD has stated they will cooperate fully with investigators and review their internal procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus now is on supporting those injured in the crash and ensuring accountability for the actions that led to this unfortunate event.

Sources:

• [ Patch.com Article ]
• General online searches regarding LA County Sheriff's Department inmate transport procedures and past incidents (used to provide context).