“Woodland Hills Police Chase” pedestrian victim identified as Dean William Greenwalt of Woodland Hills

Somehow I missed this the other day, and even called the LAPD Media Relations Department to find out if the victim had been identified, and they didn’t have the info.  But, seems like Daily News eventually got it.  It’s funny when you try to deal with LA’s government and law enforcement entities, as many times you have more information than they do and have to ‘fill them in.’

Authorities on Monday identified a pedestrian who was killed during a CHP pursuit of a driver who refused to pull over for a freeway traffic violation and exchanged gunfire with officers during a pursuit that ended on a surface street.Assistant Coroner Ed Winter said the victim was Dean William Greenwalt, 66, of Woodland Hills.

Seems like Mr. Greenwalt was a good man who ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Probably not the time to get political about the police chase loving culture here in Los Angeles, but Mr. Greenwalt lost his life to precisely that.

I came across comments from friends and family members of Mr. Greenwalt attached to this article in the Pasadena Star-News.  Looks like Daily News and the Pasadena paper use the same comment engine, and I’ll post a few of the comments about Mr. Greenwalt after the jump, follow the links to the articles to see more.

family member writes:

Dean Greenwalt affected me deeply and I will miss him terribly. He was a strong father figure for me, my sister and for other kids in our community growing up. He provided an example of a life focused on responsibility, industry, humor and adventure.

To me, it seemed like Dean always had a bit of magic. His special sense of humor and laugh were infectious and he made people feel safe. He even twinkled when he talked to you. I feel very grateful that he was in my life. I was looking forward to a growing adult friendship in the years ahead. He was a special and lovable man and his community won’t forget him.

A friend wrote the following on a different comment list on this newspaper:

Dean “had a strong influential presence in our cherished group of family and friends in Woodland Hills. He will be missed at a very deep level. He was an unknowing father figure to me and a few other fortunate young men in our community. He provided a valuable example of how to live life to the fullest as a man. My respectful condolences go out to all those who may be touched by this pointless loss.”

Audrey Joyce, a neighbor writes:

Bill and I live up the street from where Dean lived. We saw him at least every other day, when he was around and he would hang out with us for hours when we had open houses in the area. The last time I pulled over and talked with Dean was Friday, Sept. 25, in the afternoon for about 40 minutes. I now feel blessed to have been able to spend this time with him. When Dean walked with dogs Bandit and later, Jack from up the street, I would pull my car over and we would talk about the neighborhood. Dean was very casual and sweet. We have owned our home in this quaint and rustic area for 29 years. We who live in what is known as The Girard Tract, feel and actually are, close to nature. We talk about the visits from Deer and Racoon, and other creatures we coexist with. Bill and I are still in shock and want to get together with others whose lives Dean touched. We also feel how precious every day is.

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• Article Link: Daily News Identifies Dean Greenwalt, Pasadena Star-News Identifies Dean Greenwalt