Beverly Hills Police Department joins 5K to honor teen victim of DUI

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Earlier this month, runners, walkers and supporters came out for the 9th annual Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation Memorial 5k Event. The Setian family began this race to honor the memory of their son Vahagn, who was tragically killed at the age of 17 by a DUI driver on South Beverly Drive in 2006.

Five Beverly Hills Police Department employees and several Explorers joined the runners on the race, which serves as a qualifier for the Baker to Vegas race in the spring.

“On a personal level this event means a lot to me,” said BHPD Sgt. Scott Dibble, who helped Vahagn’s father, Karén, coordinate this year’s event. “The Setian family has undergone an unthinkable loss and they have made something very special in memory of their son.

“The Foundation has done so many amazing things for so many in the community, including scholarships for students, funding for the ‘Every 15 Minute’ Program and assisting BHPD’s Baker to Vegas Team. This event along with the other programs they’re involved in, embody what it means to give back and bring hope to our future youth.” 

Officers Michael Ryan, left, and Jonathan De La Cruz near the finish of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Traffic Control Officer Melissa Sutton makes her way down the last mile during the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Lt. Gio Trejo makes his way near the front of the race during Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Participants cross the starting line during the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Attendees of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk pose for a group photo. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns. By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Steve Cooke, left, and Frank Deville perform “Stairway to Heaven” at the start of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

L.A. District Attorney Jackie Lacey before the start of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Setian was killed in 2006 by a DUI driver and the annual event is held to raise money to fund drunk driving educational campaigns.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Karen Setian hugs guest speaker L.A. District Attorney Jackie Lacey before the start of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Karen is the father of Vahagn, wha was killed by a DUI driver in 2006.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Karen and Ida Setian pose with Beverly Hills Police Sergeant Scott Dibble before the start of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk. Karen and Ida are the parents of Vahagn, wha was killed by a DUI driver in 2006.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Participants gather to register for the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge

Members of the Beverly Hills Police Department pose for a photo before the start of the Vahagn Setian Annual Memorial Run/Walk.
By Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge