A pedestrian in Pacoima was left dead after a brutal hit-and-run incident involving not one, but three vehicles. The Los Angeles Police Department is now urgently calling for witnesses to come forward with any information that might lead to the apprehension of the drivers responsible for this fatal event. The collision, which occurred on the night of January 12, 2024, took the life of a man believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, as reported on the LAPD Newsroom.
According to the police, the victim was crossing mid-block on San Fernando Road just south of Montague Street when he was struck initially by a light-colored pickup truck going against traffic. The man fell to the ground only to tragically get hit by a second vehicle, a full-size SUV. A third vehicle, a dark-colored mid-size SUV then ran over the victim. All three vehicles heartlessly failed to stop and render aid, as required by the law. The LAPD reports that the first and second vehicles were last seen heading northbound towards Osborne Street, and the third vehicle was observed going southbound towards Branford Street.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics quickly responded to the devastating scene, where they pronounced the pedestrian dead. The identity of the victim is yet to be released, pending notification of his next of kin, but detectives are already in the process of gathering evidence and are in pursuit of the drivers. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to the offenders' identification and arrest, thanks to a City Council amendment from 2015 that created the Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund.
In their appeal to the public, investigators are relentlessly seeking help to bring these drivers to justice. LAPD's Valley Traffic Division Officers Sison and Freeman can be contacted with any details during working hours, while the 1-877-LAPD-24-7 number can be reached during off-hours. Furthermore, tips can be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers or via the "P3 Tips" mobile application, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of informants.
The city's rising tide of hit-and-run incidents has sparked increased calls for driver and pedestrian awareness. The unfortunate death of this unidentified man is a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads and the shared responsibility we all bear in preserving the safety of our streets. The LAPD firmly reminds everyone involved in collisions to pull over, contact emergency services, and remain at the scene — a directive too often disregarded at the expense of human lives.
