KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
A veteran accused of a felony hit and run crash that left an LAPD motorcycle officer injured back in August has yet to be charged, per the county’s D.A.
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The case against Philip Scot Newlyn, 28, alleges that he drove his white pick-up truck into an on-duty LAPD motorcycle officer’s vehicle on purpose, driving into the back of the officer’s vehicle on the Interstate 5 freeway near Castaic, on the morning of Aug. 17. Newlyn then reportedly fled the scene and was arrested the following afternoon, according to CHP officials.
“We have no doubt this was an intentional act,” said CHP Capt. Edward Krusey during a news conference. “The officer was in full uniform on an LAPD motorcycle. It should have been extremely obvious to the person.”
At issue, according to an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, is the suspect’s mental state at the time of the collision. Newlyn is a decorated veteran who investigators suspect might have been suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and off his medication at the time of the collision.
As a result, his case has been in Department 95, a court system that determines whether a suspect is mentally competent to assist in his or her own defense.
As a result, Newlyn will not be formally charged until this determination is made. He’s due back in court Feb. 8 for a status readiness hearing.
The alleged hit-and-run victim, a 28-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was on duty in route to work, said Alfonso Lopez, an LAPD captain and commanding officer of the Central Traffic Division for the department.
The officer was able to maintain his position on the motorcycle and was able to make it over to the shoulder and stop, according to Lopez.
“He allowed his training to react and he performed adequately,” said Lopez
The officer has been riding a motorcycle for 12 years and LAPD motorcycle officers go through extensive training, Lopez noted.
The scene occurred from Parker Road and Hasley Canyon Road, covering multiple lanes.
Newlyn is currently in custody at Patton State Hospital.
