A 33-year-old man was sentenced today to 18 years and eight months in state prison for driving under the influence of alcohol, fatally striking a pedestrian and injuring another, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

On Aug. 22, Leopoldo Leon of Walnut Park pleaded no contest to two felony counts in case VA144209: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury within 10 years of another DUI offense.

The defendant also admitted special allegations that he fled the scene of the crime and inflicted great bodily injury. Moreover, the defendant admitted that he was previously convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol content or more in 2007.

Deputy District Attorney Brianna Peden, who prosecuted the case, said on the afternoon of March 3, Leon was driving while under the influence of alcohol in Maywood when he struck pedestrians Jose Luis Lopez, 28, and his brother.

Following the collision, Leon exited his vehicle and fled on foot, the prosecutor said. A bystander ran after the defendant and, with the assistance of another motorist, apprehended Leon until authorities arrived and arrested the defendant, the prosecutor added.

The two victims were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, however, Lopez ultimately succumbed to his injuries and died, according to the prosecutor.

The case was being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Los Angeles District Attorney / case VA144209 / October 5, 2017