Justin Bieber Paparazzo Killed While Running to Snap Photo, Motorist Won't Face Charges
A paparazzo was killed by an SUV while running to snap a photo of Justin Bieber's Ferrari after it was pulled over by California Highway Patrol, police told TheWrap.
Los Angeles Police Department Officer Cleon Joseph said the motorist, whose name has not been released, would not face charges.
The 29-year-old man, camera in hand, was struck by a Toyota SUV on Sepulveda Boulevard near Getty Center Drive just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Joseph said.
Bieber was not in his white sportscar -- it was driven by a friend -- when it was pulled over by the patrol officer on the 405 Freeway for a traffic stop. When the officer directed Bieber's car off the freeway and onto Sepulveda, the man arrived on scene to take pictures.
A friend of the photographer, named by TMZ as Chris Guerra, told KCAL-TV Channel 9 that the man was an amateur paparazzo.
Bieber has had several high-profile run-ins with celebrity paparazzi, who have kept a close eye on the 18-year-old pop star since his rise to fame.
In a statement issued after Guerra's death, Bieber pushed for legal restrictions on paparazzi.
"While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim," Bieber said in a statement. "Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders and the photographers themselves."
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