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Pedestrian Killed, 3 Injured In Deputy-Involved Crash In WeHo

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Detectives Friday investigated a traffic collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian and injured three others in West Hollywood.

Around 11 p.m. on Thursday, deputies were sent to the 8800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard at Palm Avenue for report of a felony domestic assault, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"Deputies were responding with lights and sirens to the felony assault," explained Commander Keith Swensson."They were involved in a traffic collision. As a result of the collision, two pedestrians were tragically struck."

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Upon their arrival, paramedics transported two pedestrians to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

One of the pedestrians was pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.

The other pedestrian victim remains listed in critical condition.

Two deputies were also transported by paramedics to a hospital. They are believed to be in stable condition.

A preliminary investigation revealed the deputy cruiser struck another vehicle, which then collided into the pedestrians.

Santa Monica Boulevard remained closed at San Vicente until around 10:30 a.m. Friday, police said.

"It's absolutely horrific and a tragedy all around," said Marta Knittel who owns a yogurt shop on Santa Monica Boulevard near the accident site.

Investigators say the cruiser was responding to a call with its lights and sirens on when it collided with a second car on Santa Monica. The impact pushed the cruiser on to the sidewalk where it struck the two pedestrians.

"This isn't the first time this has happened. This street is really dangerous," said Amit Liran, a bartender at Trunks.

Liran says something needs to be done.

"Maybe separating the sidewalk somehow from the street?," he said.

Knittel says this is the third pedestrian killed on this block in the seven years her store has been here.

"It's also dark across the street and trees make visibility really difficult," she said.

Although the exact cause of the crash is under investigation, those working and living in this neighborhood says accidents are becoming a an increasing problem.

The LA County Sheriff's Department says both deputies remain in the hospital but are expected to be okay -- as is the second pedestrian.

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