Artesia Man-Local Business Owner Killed in Crash in Cerritos

An Artesia man who was also a longtime Norwalk business owner was killed in a collision on Carmenita Road in Cerritos Monday afternoon.

The victim -- who was later identified as Roy Okimoto of Artesia -- was driving a pickup truck on the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway just before 2:45 p.m. Nov. 19. He had taken the Carmenita Road off-ramp and as he was coming off the freeway, he collided with another pickup truck traveling south on Carmenita, according to Lt. Jeff Deedrick of the Cerritos Sheriff's Station. 

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he later died, the lieutenant added. 

The other driver was also injured in the accident, though the extent of his injuries was not reported. 

Cerritos traffic detectives were continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine who was at fault.

Victim Owned Okimoto's Automotive Center in Norwalk

Okimoto was the owner of Okimoto's Automotive Center, Inc. located at 16400 Pioneer Blvd. -- a business that has been operating in the city of Norwalk since April 1, 1980.

"My dad had been going to his auto repair shop for several years," said Pat Pacheco, who has lives near the family. "He was a very quiet, nice man and a really nice neighbor."

Okimoto and his wife raised their family in Artesia, and their children graduated from Gahr High School.