The investigation into a horrific party bus accident that claimed the life of a 24-year-old man has concluded with police recommending that murder charges be filed against the owner of the bus owner, and the district attorney’s office strongly considering doing so.
Christopher “C.J.” Saraceno II was a passenger on a party bus that was owned and operated by Ayrapet Kasabyan, the president of Hydros Corporation. The company runs Platinum Style Limousine Service. According to the California Highway Patrol, Saraceno lost his balance while riding on the bus. When he fell down the steps of the vehicle and struck the door, it opened and the victim fell out of the bus onto the southbound 101 Freeway near Universal Studios Boulevard. He was then struck by other vehicles travelling behind. The bus was carrying over two dozen passengers at the time for a birthday party, and several of them attempted to save him but were afraid that they would also fall and be pulled under the vehicle.
The report filed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicates that at the time that the accident took place, the 2001 Ford-F 550 had been cited for several mechanical violations. Records show that the company had been told to take the vehicle out of service “for the safety of the passengers.” An inspection of the vehicle following the tragic accident showed that the passenger door was malfunctioning. It also showed that Saraceno’s death was caused by having been run over by the party bus’ rear tires.
During interviews with investigators, Kasabyan indicated that he had not been told by any of his drivers of trouble with the door, and he suggested that one of the passengers had pulled the emergency door release lever and pushed the victim out. The suggestion enraged Saraceno’s friends. According to William Wawro, the victims friend and former roommate, “The idea that he can make that statement without any evidence is infuriating because he’s trying to cover his own butt. It shows you the character of the head of the company.”
Operators of California buses must pass an annual CHP inspection in order to be licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission. According to the head of CHP’s motor carrier safety unit, the company had received an unsatisfactory rating in its most recent inspection.