In the early hours of Thursday, a hit-and-run incident near Los Angeles International Airport claimed the life of a woman, authorities report. The LAPD is actively searching for the driver of a dark-colored Chevrolet SUV who struck the woman as she stood in the roadway around 12:15 a.m., at the intersection of West Century Boulevard and South Sepulveda Boulevard in the Westchester neighborhood. This fatal event was reported by KTLA.
According to the LAPD Newsroom, the woman believed to be in her 20s or early 30s and not homeless, was "walking southbound Sepulveda Boulevard south of Century Boulevard outside of a marked crosswalk" when the SUV collided with her. The driver, failing to stop, did not comply with legal obligations to identify themselves or render aid to the pedestrian. Detailed information on the events leading to the victim's death was soon after published by LAPD.
Evidence gathering and witness interviews are underway as the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division takes on the case. The victim's identity currently remains unknown, and local authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward. As an added incentive, a reward of up to $50,000 is in place for community members who can provide information leading to the hit-and-run driver’s apprehension and conviction, as part of the City Council’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund established in 2015.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, who were first to arrive at the scene after the incident, pronounced the woman dead. Police are now making efforts to trace the gray Chevy SUV and its driver who chose to flee rather than face the aftermath of their actions. Those with potential leads can contact West Traffic Detectives directly, or anonymously via the LA Regional Crime Stoppers, as noted by the LAPD Newsroom.
