Fleeing Driver Pleads Guilty in Pedestrian's Death

 A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday to voluntary manslaughter and other charges involving the death of a pedestrian who was struck in a Canoga Park crosswalk last year.

Ernesto Jacinto Lopez of Canoga Park is facing 21 years in state prison when he is sentenced April 30 by Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Karen Nudell, Deputy District Attorney Elan Carr said.

Lopez pleaded guilty to one count each of voluntary manslaughter, evading an officer with willful disregard, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting an executive officer and grand theft auto and admitted gang enhancements on those charges, according to the prosecutor.

Officers had been chasing Lopez -- who was behind the wheel of a 1991 Toyota Camry that was reported stolen -- but were ordered by a supervisor to stop the pursuit because of the driver's high rate of speed and failure to stop for multiple red lights and stop signs, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Soon afterward, officers saw the vehicle strike Arnel Cantal in the crosswalk on Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Saticoy Street. The 59-year-old Canoga Park man died at a local hospital.

Officers re-initiated the chase and saw Lopez jump out of the car, which hit a block wall and tree, and arrested him a short distance away, according to police.