Driver Who Fatally Struck Artesia Resident Was Unlicensed, Charges Pending

A 78-year-old motorist who , was driving without a license and will be facing manslaughter charges, authorities said.

Cerritos Sheriff's Station traffic detective Tim Britt said that the driver is a resident from the city of Orange, whose name was withheld pending the filing of charges.

"The plan is to file a manslaughter case against him with the District Attorney at the Bellflower court," Britt said. 

Okimoto, who was driving a pickup truck, was coming off the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway at Carmenita Road about 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 when the crash occurred. 

"The other driver was headed south on Carmenita, ran a red light and collided with the victim based on witness accounts," Britt said, adding that the man was an unlicensed driver. "It was actually a simple crash, there were no drugs or alcohol involved, but unfortunately the point of impact was right at the driver's side door."

Okimoto was alive and conscious when he was transported to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries while undergoing surgery.

The victim was the longtime owner of Okimoto's Automotive Center in Norwalk -- a well-known auto body shop located at 16400 Pioneer Blvd. in Norwalk.