Brother to deliver message of danger in stunts to youths

By Dana Littlefield STAFF WRITER

June 14, 2005

Prosecutors announced yesterday that they will not file charges against a Spring Valley man who played a role in his older brother's death by towing him on a skateboard behind a vehicle in February.

Instead, Patrick Soltero, 22, will spend the summer educating other young skateboarders on the dangers of trying such stunts. He plans to take his skateboard safety message to skate parks throughout the county.

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District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis made the announcement during a news conference attended by Soltero's lawyer, Brad Patton, Deputy District Attorney Paul Myers, who was assigned the case, and several members of the Soltero family.

Dumanis said her office met with Patton, the family and law enforcement investigators before arriving at "a mutually agreed upon" resolution. She said her office will review the case when Soltero's community service is completed to determine whether additional measures are warranted.

Dumanis said the decision was in the "best interest of justice."

"I have every confidence that Patrick will help some other people, some other kids," she said.

The incident occurred Feb. 8 when Soltero, 21 at the time, and his older brother, 25-year-old Cecelio Soltero, were driving in an SUV to a friend's house in the Jamacha-Lomita area.

At one point, the older Soltero – who was riding in the passenger seat – suggested they try the towing stunt as they drove the final block before reaching the friend's driveway.

Soltero got out of the Ford Explorer and hopped on a skateboard, holding onto the passenger-side door handle. It is unclear whether he lost his grip or whether something hit the skateboard wheels, but he fell and was fatally injured when the vehicle rolled over him, authorities said.

Police later arrested his brother on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

Patton said Patrick Soltero has devised an "ambitious plan" to prevent other skateboarders from finding themselves in a similar situation. Patton said Soltero will distribute fliers and speak directly to skateboarding enthusiasts at skate parks, educating them on the perils they face when trying certain tricks.

Soltero also plans to invite professional skaters to participate these discussions, Patton said.

Soltero's mother, Michelle, said yesterday that she is relieved the District Attorney's Office chose to resolve the case this way and said talking to other skateboarders is not only community service, but a way for her surviving son to grieve the loss of his brother.

"I could pray no better outcome," Michelle Soltero said, adding that her family's strong faith helped them through this difficult ordeal.

In addition to his younger brother, mother and father, Richard Soltero of Spring Valley, Cecelio Soltero left behind a 7-year-old son.

Dana Littlefield: (619) 542-4590; dana.littlefield@uniontrib.com

Submitted on 07/01/2005

Submitted by: Alexandra Chisam-Wiyninger
Reference: San Diego Union Tribune 6/14/5

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Jack said:
Maybe Toss: For Darwin's Eyes
More information on the original story and follow up, but this is more of a "punishment phase" submission and I really can't see any point in including this in the slush pile, as the original has already been accepted.

Kelly said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
For Darwin to actually see it, we have to mark it Definitely Keep.

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