An Apple employee was been arrested and originally charged with suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter last week following a fatal collision near the intersection of North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, right next to the Apple Park Visitor Center, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The charges have since been upgraded to murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office says that shortly after noon on Friday, 38-year-old Apple employee Eric Chen Su was reportedly traveling between 90 and 100 miles per hour when he struck the back of a stopped vehicle that held a young girl and her adult female babysitter. Both of the car’s occupants were seriously injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where the child, two-year-old Riley Howard, later died despite lifesaving efforts.
Su suffered only minor injuries, say authorities.
KTVU reports that investigators found that Su’s actions demonstrated disregard for the safety of people around him. “A reasonable person would know this time of day was busier than normal,” investigators reportedly noted.
In a statement to MacRumors, Apple said about the tragedy:
“Our hearts are broken by the tragic accident that happened outside of Apple Park Visitor Center,” an Apple spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with all of those grieving, and we are grateful for the care and support of the first responders.”
Apple did not respond when asked if the employee has been fired or placed on leave.
Eric Chen Su is set to attend a plea hearing in Palo Alto on November 30.
