F E B R UA RY 23, 2020
S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1
LOCALNEWS
CHP officer pulls crash victim from burning car By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer
A
California Highway Patrol officer pulled a traffic collision victim out of a burning vehicle on Interstate 5 Wednesday night, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department officials. “We got a report of a car that crashed and was on fire and a CHP officer actually pulled someone out of a burning car,” according to Fire Department Supervisor Ed Pickett. The call came out at 6:32 p.m. Officials believe there was at least one car involved in the traffic collision, according to Officer Elizabeth Kravig of the CHP Traffic Management Control Office.
All lanes were shut down as a result of the incident on the northbound side of Interstate 5, and a SigAlert was issued shortly after 6:30 p.m. Traffic on the northbound side of the I-5 from Interstate 210 to Calgrove Boulevard was brought to a near crawl as first responders continued to arrive on the scene. The vehicle fire was put out by 6:50 p.m, according to Fire Department Supervisor Michael Pittman. The patient was transported to a local hospital. While CHP officials said shortly before 8:30 p.m. the two left lanes, the carpool and No. 1 lane, had been opened, the SigAlert remained in effect into Wednesday night as first responders continued to investigate and clear the scene.
Traffic in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 came to halt Wednesday night following a car fire on the freeway near Calgrove Boulevard. PHOTO BY GILBERT BERNAL / THE SIGNAL
Detectives seek victims of alleged contractor fraud By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer
D
etectives are looking for victims of a suspected unlicensed contractor who is believed to have been conning people in the Santa Clarita Valley. The suspect, Richard Bannister, 52, was arrested Jan. 13 on suspicion of grand theft, said Shirley Miller, a spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, in a phone interview Tuesday. Detectives now believe Bannister has more victims out in the public and they are distributing his picture in hopes of finding them. “He’s been charged with five felo-
return to complete the nies and two misdejob despite multiple meanors,” said Miller. messages, emails and According to the phone calls from frusdetectives on the case, trated clients.” Bannister is believed Miller said Bannisto be the ex-employee ter at least once stole of a licensed confrom a senior citizen struction company. who paid him more Without a license, he than $30,000 for work is believed to have he never finished. approached alleged Bannister reportedly victims, leaning on Bannister has another victim the credibility of his who paid him up previous employer. “The investigation alleges Bannister front for work that was never completed. She was refunded some of her collected a majority of the total cost money, but the check given to her by of each project prior to beginning work,” said a sheriff ’s news release on Bannister reportedly bounced. “Not only was Bannister allegedTuesday. “Bannister would then never
Highest Prices Paid! Weekly Coin Auctions!
COINS PLUS
Highest Prices Paid! Weekly Coin Auctions! WEEKLY COIN BID BOARD We Buy and Sell Gold, Silver, and ALL sized collections!!! NO Collection too large! Same Location for 38 years! Fair, Friendly, Honest. We carry a great selection of Gold and Silver bullion for all investors!
23332 Lyons Ave., Newhall 661.259.5734
The LAST WEEK
ly taking payment for construction work that was never completed, but he also stands accused of selling appliances for a discounted price, and never delivering the product,” said the sheriff ’s press release. “Bannister offered to sell a refrigerator retailing for $7,000 at a discounted rate of $4,500. The victim wrote him a check. However, the appliance never arrived.” Bannister is described as a white man, 52 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and approximately 250 pounds. He is believed to possibly have victims in both the SCV and San Fernando Valley, Miller said. Potential victims or witnesses can call the SCV Sheriff ’s Station at 661255-1121.
Canyon Theatre Guild presents The Broadway Musical Hit! “The entire cast…giving a wonderful performance… this one’s not to be missed!” Jason Downs-Santa Clarita Gazette
Sponsor:
$22...Adults Fri & Sat 8 pm: 2/21, 22, 29
$19...Jr./Sr. Sat & Sun 2 pm: 2/22, 23, 3/1
Reservations- www.canyontheatreguild.org - (661) 799-2702
