Latest news with #KiaOptima
Indianapolis Star
28 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis family waited months for arrest in son's death. They aren't alone
The long, agonizing wait for justice didn't make sense to Alexander Melton's family. Indianapolis police knew the identity of the driver who slammed into his 2014 Kia Optima at the intersection of East McCarty Street and Madison Avenue on Feb. 22. She'd stayed at the scene. The family saw a video of the driver screaming about her phone as bystanders tried to save Melton and the severely injured woman and baby who were his Uber passengers. After being taken to the hospital, police tried to tell the woman someone died in the crash, but she kept interrupting the officer's explanation; all she appeared to care about was her phone. At one point, out of frustration, a police officer ordered her to stop talking so he could tell her of Melton's death, according to court documents. Why, then, wasn't she arrested that night? That's a question Melton's family asked themselves for months? 'We wanted to know why police would take so long to arrest her,' said his mother Laura Melton. It's a common frustration for many families seeking justice for their family members killed in fatal accidents. "While the community may understandably want quick action, investigators often need time to carefully piece together the facts and make sure any arrest is supported by solid, admissible evidence," said an IMPD spokesperson. In Melton's case, police were waiting for a toxicology report. Police had told his family they needed the report before they filed charges on the woman who killed Melton. "Which I understood after they told me, but it was still hard," Laura Melton told IndyStar. For months, Melton's family waited to see if their son would receive justice. They hoped the driver who caused the accident would be behind bars by the time the man they called a "shimmering light in this dark world" was buried. They waited even as photos of the other driver enjoying her life appeared in their social media feeds. The images of her partying in Indianapolis and Bloomington, while their son was in a grave, felt cruel and unfair. It's not uncommon for families such as Melton's to wait weeks or months to see their loved one's day of justice. However, some never experience that moment. A majority of deaths from motor vehicle crashes don't result in the driver being charged with a serious offense for the crash, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center study. Out of the 23 fatal crashes IMPD has investigated through May 2025, investigators have made only five arrests. Investigations are continuing in several other fatal crashes, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said in an email to IndyStar. However, IMPD noted these investigations take time to conclude, and in some cases, an arrest may not be the appropriate action. Melton's case wasn't typical. It was one of the few cases in which IMPD appeared to have ample evidence related to the woman responsible for the crash. Once police received the toxicology report, they had everything needed before filing the case with the county prosecutor. The report showed her blood alcohol level could have been as high as 0.143% at the time of the crash, which is close to twice the legal limit in Indiana. Her test also showed that Delta-9 THC was present in her system. More: 'He knew God got him': Family searches for other victims in fatal crash Police ultimately arrested her and prosecutors charged her with 10 felonies, most of which were related to her operating a vehicle while either intoxicated and under the influence of a Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. She was also charged with reckless homicide. 'She needs to be held accountable for this. I'm glad that the process is beginning,' Laura Melton said. Laura Melton believed things would be easier after the driver was arrested and charged with her son's death. But it soon became clear the pain would never leave her. A new wave of emotions hit the family after attending the driver's initial hearing on May 13. 'My daughter Rainey, she's been one of the strongest people throughout this whole process, but when we walked out of the court today, she was in tears,' Laura Melton said. 'And this is one of the easiest hearings, it was just formal charges. I know we will have a lot more harder days ahead of us.' It's a bittersweet feeling many families will never be able to experience. 'Even if we get justice for my son," Laura Melton said, "it's not going to bring him back.' IndyStar uses discretion in naming people accused of crimes, considering the severity of charges and available information, among other factors. Suspects may not be named if ongoing reporting of the associated court proceedings is not immediately planned.
Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Inside the CFL: Is Alouettes QB Davis Alexander ready to be the guy?
There's an opening for a part-time waiter at Goldie's Sports Cafe in Scottsdale, Az. Article content The position was formerly held by Davis Alexander between December and April, when he was the Alouettes' third-string quarterback. The work was good. The tips were even better. A weekend double shift might result in an extra US$500 on top of his hourly wage. Article content Article content But now that Alexander is Montreal's starter and is paid accordingly — he's guaranteed a reported $258,000 this season and could earn as much as $336,000, including a $120,000 signing bonus — he might have figured he no longer needed the spare change. Article content Article content The money hasn't changed the 26-year-old native of Gig Harbor, Wash. He still drives a 2017 Kia Optima with 86,000 miles on the odometer because it runs perfectly fine. But so much more in his life has drastically changed. Article content Article content Last July 11, when quarterback Cody Fajardo sustained a hamstring injury, Alexander remained on the bench. Instead, Fajardo was replaced by Caleb Evans and the Als suffered their first loss of the season after five wins. Nonetheless, Evans remained the starter in Montreal's next game, against Saskatchewan. But with the Als trailing by 13 points at halftime, head coach Jason Maas finally turned to Alexander. Article content Montreal won that night along with the next three games Alexander started. The Als also beat Ottawa on Oct. 14 with Alexander behind centre, and management had seen enough. Alexander, a potential free agent, was signed to a three-year contract extension on Nov. 27, three weeks before Fajardo was traded to Edmonton for QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Article content Article content There are times Alexander must want to pinch himself to ensure he's not dreaming. Article content 'Cody Fajardo went from winning the Grey Cup, (suffering) a fluke hamstring injury and the organization decides to move on from him,' Alexander told The Gazette this week. 'Your life can change so fast. I'm thankful, blessed and I don't want it ever to be taken away from me. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. Article content 'I want to cherish it all and I'm thankful for it all,' he added. 'But there's more that I'm striving for than this milestone.'
Montreal Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Inside the CFL: Is Alouettes QB Davis Alexander ready to be the guy?
By There's an opening for a part-time waiter at Goldie's Sports Cafe in Scottsdale, Az. The position was formerly held by Davis Alexander between December and April, when he was the Alouettes' third-string quarterback. The work was good. The tips were even better. A weekend double shift might result in an extra US$500 on top of his hourly wage. But now that Alexander is Montreal's starter and is paid accordingly — he's guaranteed a reported $258,000 this season and could earn as much as $336,000, including a $120,000 signing bonus — he might have figured he no longer needed the spare change. The money hasn't changed the 26-year-old native of Gig Harbor, Wash. He still drives a 2017 Kia Optima with 86,000 miles on the odometer because it runs perfectly fine. But so much more in his life has drastically changed. Last July 11, when quarterback Cody Fajardo sustained a hamstring injury, Alexander remained on the bench. Instead, Fajardo was replaced by Caleb Evans and the Als suffered their first loss of the season after five wins. Nonetheless, Evans remained the starter in Montreal's next game, against Saskatchewan. But with the Als trailing by 13 points at halftime, head coach Jason Maas finally turned to Alexander. Montreal won that night along with the next three games Alexander started. The Als also beat Ottawa on Oct. 14 with Alexander behind centre, and management had seen enough. Alexander, a potential free agent, was signed to a three-year contract extension on Nov. 27, three weeks before Fajardo was traded to Edmonton for QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson. There are times Alexander must want to pinch himself to ensure he's not dreaming. 'Cody Fajardo went from winning the Grey Cup, (suffering) a fluke hamstring injury and the organization decides to move on from him,' Alexander told The Gazette this week. 'Your life can change so fast. I'm thankful, blessed and I don't want it ever to be taken away from me. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. 'I want to cherish it all and I'm thankful for it all,' he added. 'But there's more that I'm striving for than this milestone.' As the Als prepare for Friday's regular-season opener against the Toronto Argonauts at Molson Stadium (7:30 p.m., TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) much remains to be discovered. But the burning question, and the one that ultimately will define Montreal's season, is simple: Is Alexander ready to be the guy? While Alexander is beginning his fourth season, his playing time has been limited. At 6-feet and 195 pounds, he's far from the CFL's biggest quarterback and probably doesn't possess the league's strongest arm. But there's something about him. He's a leader, competitor and winner. Alexander has moxie, even continuing to play last season while his father, Matt, lost his battle to lung cancer. Management believes in Alexander. So do his teammates. 'His leadership qualities ... and his confidence,' receiver Tyson Philpot said. 'That confidence bleeds onto us as a receiver group.' 'His competitive edge,' added receiver Austin Mack. 'He's been in this offence a few years. You're starting to see someone grow in this offence. The way he has taken command of everything, taken ownership of that role. You're seeing a guy with confidence. You can see it in his aura.' The backup quarterback is often the most popular player on a team because he plays sparingly and little is expected. Everything Alexander accomplished last season — he passed for 1,347 yards and six touchdowns while completing 69.5 per cent of his throws and was intercepted only twice — was gravy. He also gained 166 yards rushing on 24 carries with three touchdowns, but took some hellacious hits that might make Maas grow old before our eyes. Now, all that will be expected. Most quarterbacks — Alexander included — thrive under that pressure and are determined to meet those demands. 'I know this city is a huge sports town, and that's one thing I love,' Alexander said. 'They're going to let you hear it, whether you're playing good or bad. That's how I want it to be. Nothing's going to change about me. If we have to win a game 13-10, we win the game. That's the only thing that matters. 'There's different types of pressure situations. The pressure of being a starting quarterback week in and out is different than going to win a two-minute drive,' added Alexander, who did precisely that at Saskatchewan on Aug. 16. 'I'd like to think I'm built for it. I don't feel like I'll be fazed under pressure — but only time will tell, I guess.' Alexander has paid his dues, learning under Vernon Adams Jr., Trevor Harris and Fajardo. Alexander also can lean on Maas and offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo, both former CFL quarterbacks. If general manager Danny Maciocia has surrounded Alexander with a competent supporting cast on offence, he won't necessarily have to win games by himself. Meanwhile, Alexander has quickly discovered the perks that go with being the Als' starting pivot. He gets recognized more frequently. Restaurant meals occasionally are free or come with a discount — not that Alexander wants to be treated differently, he insisted. And next Saturday evening, Alexander has been invited to a Canadian Grand Prix event at a downtown hotel. He attended the same event a year ago — as Fajardo's plus-one.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Video of deadly South LA hit-and-run scooter collision released by LAPD
The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a hit-and-run driver who killed a woman while riding her scooter in South Los Angeles last month. Video of the collision was released by LAPD on Friday, showing the moment when a vehicle struck the scooter at an intersection, and continued to drive away. Kelly Calderon, 28, died at the scene and police are hoping the video helps to identify the suspect who remains at large. On April 8 around midnight, the suspect in a dark colored sedan, possibly a Kia Optima of Kia K5, was traveling northbound on Figueroa Street when it stuck Calderon at the Colden Avenue intersection. The driver continued on after the collision without identifying themselves or helping the victim. Police say the suspect's vehicle has major damage to the right side of the hood, bumper and passenger door. Anyone with information about the collision can call (323) 421-2500. Anyone wanting to remain anonymous can call (800) 222-8477. Video captured the April 8 fatal collision between a scooter and a vehicle in South Los Angeles. Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver. LAPD
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Motormouth: Fix it or risk it?
Q: I have a 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet with 72,000 miles. It's a beauty, in perfect condition and fun to drive. I hear the IMS bearing can go out and ruin the engine. It can cost as much as $5,000 to replace the bearing. Should I bite the bullet and fix it now, wait till the clutch needs replacing and save money doing them both at the same time, or gamble and buy $5,000 of Tesla stock? When it doubles, I can fix it on Elon's dime! R.N., Los Altos, California A: Not replacing the intermediate shaft bearing is a big gamble. If your risk tolerance is high, your car may go well over 100,000 miles. Bearing replacement is expensive, so many owners wait for some other repair to take advantage of overlapping labor costs. Like any auto technician, I make mistakes occasionally. Do-overs are, unfortunately, part of the repair business. My knowledge of the securities industry is next to zero. You don't get do-overs in the stock market. Bottom line? It's a crap shoot and the dice are in your hand. Q: I have a 2025 CX-50 that I enjoy, however every once in a while, after going over potholes or train tracks, I get a brief wind chime tone in the car. My wife and I have heard this many times, however we couldn't get the dealer to reproduce. Any ideas? R.K., Chicago A: Mazda issued a technical service bulletin to fix rattles in the sunroof, but I am not aware of any others. The carmaker recommends removing the trim pieces and checking if all the bolts and plastic clips are properly installed. Dealers may also add sound-deadening material in some other places to eliminate rattles. Q: I read your reply to S.B. regarding his Kia Optima, and I was shocked that 1,000 mile loss of a quart of oil is accepted. Is this what is considered acceptable industry standard for Kias, for most automobiles, or what? I have a 2015 Honda Accord with 126,000 miles. I typically change the oil when the reminder hits 30% oil life left. I check my oil every time I fill up, which is usually around 400 miles. Rarely do I need to add any oil between changes. Is what I experience exceptional? H.R., Hanover Park, Illinois A: Although being down a quart of oil at 1,000 is an acceptable industry standard, it doesn't happen commonly. What you, and most motorists enjoy, is the norm. Q: I recently purchased a 2022 Ford Escape SEL with a 1.5-liter engine with 10,000 miles on it (leased vehicle). At lower speeds, mostly under 25 mph, it jerks quite a bit. Took it to the dealership and they said everything checked out. Any answer to why it does this? C.W., Red Wing, Minnesota A: Nope, but it sounds like they may have given your car the "sunshine treatment." Q: have a 1995 Chevy Cruze and have power steering warning lights showing up on the dashboard. The steering angle sensor is defective. GM has stopped making and stocking this part. Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks for your help. B.W., Chicago A: I am not in the business of locating obsolete parts, but in your case, I made an exception because I was curious and had time on my hands. I usually turn to auto parts recycling centers (formerly called junk yards when I was a kid). I may not have dug deeply enough in recycling places, but did discover one new part at Genuine Chevrolet Parts, Stingray Chevrolet. Google it. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
