Prosecutors have filed vehicular manslaughter charges against a firefighter who was driving an engine when it plunged down an embankment in a rainstorm, resulting in the death of his co-worker.
California Highway Patrol investigators found that Michael Lawrence Arizaga, 47, was at fault in the accident because he failed to turn off a special engine brake that was not to be used in rain or snow; because he was driving too fast in bad weather; and because he didn’t make sure his co-worker was wearing a seatbelt.
Christopher Kanton, 23, of Temecula died in the crash in August 2005. The engine was responding to a call near Banning when Arizaga slowed to round a curve on Interstate 10. The engine brake cut in, causing the truck to lose traction and spin out, authorities determined. It hit several trees and rolled down the embankment.
Arizaga, who works for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, could face up to a year in county jail if convicted. A court hearing is set for Sept. 12.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 26, 2006. Read the original PDF.