Los Angeles sheriff’s academy recruit who was struck by SUV on training run dies

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s recruit who was struck by an SUV during a training run last year has died, authorities said.

Alejandro Martinez fought for his life for the past eight months, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said late Friday.

“Tragically, he was not able to fulfill his calling of helping others,” the department said in a statement. “He will forever live in our hearts & never be forgotten.”

About 75 recruits, from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and several local police agencies, were running in formation on a street in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier last November when an SUV veered into them. Twenty-five cadets were injured.

The SUV driver had been identified as a 22-year-old man from suburban Diamond Bar who suffered a minor injury. He was initially arrested for investigation but authorities later released him on grounds that more investigation was needed. His attorney said he has no animosity toward law enforcement and that it was a tragic accident.