$3.57M Settlement in Pizarro Crash Case

Case Background

Plaintiffs Angelo Pizarro and Arcelio Garcia lived in San Diego County. On August 23, 2018, San Diego Police received a “mental case” call regarding Trevor James Heitmann. A psychiatrist reported danger to self and others. Officers spoke with his parents but did not evaluate Trevor. Later, Trevor drove a McLaren owned or controlled by him and TJH Holdings, LLC. He entered I-805 northbound while driving southbound. He collided head-on with Aileen Lydia Pizarro’s Hyundai. Her daughter, Aryana Lamore Pizarro, rode as passenger. Both died. Plaintiffs filed government claims. The City and County issued denials. The Probate Court processed estate claims and rejections. Plaintiffs then filed this action in the Court.

Cause

Police responded to a Welfare and Institutions Code §5150 report. The psychiatrist urged a mental-health hold. Parents described threats and manic behavior. Officers left without speaking to or assessing Trevor. No PERT clinician assisted. Trevor then rammed a car at home, drove erratically, entered a school ground, and sped onto I-805 the wrong way. He struck Aileen’s vehicle in the HOV lane near Carroll Canyon. Plaintiffs alleged negligent public-entity response and negligent operation and entrustment by Trevor and TJH Holdings. These event