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Proposed Settlement In LA Councilman Car Accident Could Cost City $185K

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A traffic accident caused by Los Angeles City Councilman Huizar when he was driving a city-owned vehicle could cost taxpayers $185,000.

Former Huntington Park police officer David Ceja was rear-ended by a car Huizar was driving alone in 2012.

The crash happened Oct. 25 at 6:45 p.m. near First Street and Boyle Avenue in Boyle Heights.

Huizar was detained for a possible DUI and given a breathalyzer test, which he passed, according to police.

Asked Tuesday why police waited two hours to administer the breathalyzer test to Huizar, rather than testing him at the scene, LAPD told CBS2's Dave Lopez the councilman showed no signs that he had been drinking. When given the breathalyzer test, he blew a zero, police said.

No charges were filed, but Ceja sued the L.A. Councilman.

Ceja's attorney, Humberto Guizar, said his client is happy with the city's settlement. He said he sees no reason why people would be outraged by the amount.

"If people want to be outraged, what they should do is require the city to require people who work for the city to have their own insurance," Guizar said.

The city does not have such a requirement and is therefore liable.

The councilman did not offer a comment on the settlement. An aide to Huizar told CBS2's Dave Lopez he would comment once the settlement was approved by the L.A. City Council.

Asked about the amount of the settlement Tuesday, the City Attorney offered no comment. Mayor Garcetti's office also said he would have no comment.

Guizar said he and his client have no problems with the way the LAPD handled the investigation.

"I think it's best for everbody to move forward from this," the attorney said.

RELATED: LA Councilman Involved In Boyle Heights Car Crash

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