People v. Eriz CA4/3

FACTS

On the morning of May 21, 2021, Joanna C. was driving northbound on the 55 freeway to take her six-year-old son Aiden to school. Aiden was in the backseat of the car in a child safety seat. Driving in the carpool lane, Joanna C. saw a white Volkswagen approaching very quickly from behind. The white car swerved out of the carpool lane, abruptly drove back into the carpool lane in front of Joanna C.’s car and braked. Joanna C. was scared and concerned because of the white car’s sudden movement. Joanna C. observed that a woman was driving the car, and a man was in the front passenger seat. As Joanna C. merged out of the carpool lane, she drove next to the Volkswagen. Joanna C. gestured to the driver with her middle finger as she continued to merge into the right lanes of the freeway. The male passenger smiled. A moment later, Joanna C. heard a loud noise, which sounded like a “big rock” had hit her car. Aiden said, “Ow.” Joanna C. looked to the rear seat and saw Aiden’s head hanging down. She immediately pulled over to the side of the freeway and attempted to get her son out of his car seat.

2 Raul A. was also driving northbound on the 55 freeway and witnessed an interaction…