A Los Angeles man is dead following what police are calling an “intentional” traffic collision.
Ralph Barragan, 64, was pronounced dead at the scene after police were summoned to Mt. San Antonio College Thursday morning after reports a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, CBS News reported. The driver, only identified as a man in his 30s, was taken to the hospital for injuries he sustained in the crash where he was later booked for Barragan’s death.
“Through our investigation, we determined that the collision was intentional and the victim was targeted. All we know is that the victim is an employee of the college,” Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Guillermo Morales said according to KTLA News.
Police state the suspect struck Barragan with his vehicle while the victim was on a walkway right outside the bookstore, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Man Drives Car Into Pedestrians, Killing At Least One And Injuring 14 Others In Germany)
Pedestrian killed in “intentional” vehicle crash at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut this morning, according to L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.https://t.co/6jlSMOfir3
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) December 1, 2022
According to school officials, Barragan, who drove disabled students around campus for the past 15 years, was “gracious, popular and respected” according to CBS News.
“This is as tragic a situation as we can imagine on our campus. Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to Ralph’s family and countless friends,” School President Dr. William Scroggins expressed in a statement per CBS News.
Vice President of Student Services Audrey Yamagata-Noji added, “Everyone knew Ralph. He was always smiling, greeting staff and students by their names, and befriending everyone he met. We are shocked and saddened by his passing. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”