The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting an investigation following a fatal hit-and-run incident involving an electric scooter in Koreatown. The collision, which took place on September 12 around 4:50 p.m. on James M. Wood Boulevard, resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man identified as Danny Kim, KTLA reported.
Authorities said Kim was struck by a woman riding an electric scooter who then fled the scene along with a man who was accompanying her. They were illegally riding on the sidewalk, as captured by surveillance footage. Despite suffering a head injury, Kim initially refused to be hospitalized but succumbed to his injuries two days later, NBC4 noted. While fighting for his life at the hospital, after being hit by the scooter, Kim was declared brain dead and eventually taken off life support, according to CBS News.
The LAPD is making efforts to identify the woman involved, who is believed to have been wearing a pink shirt during the incident and has released video footage in hopes of receiving public assistance. The incident has raised concerns amongst residents, like Maria Mejia, who runs Mama Lucy nearby and shared with KTLA her worries about electric scooters’ safety on sidewalks and streets. Lime, the electric scooter rental company, said in a statement to NBC4, "Lime is deeply saddened by this incident and our heart goes out to the victim. We are investigating this matter internally and stand ready to assist the police in any way we can."
The victim's family is left grieving and seeking justice. Susan Park, the victim’s niece, expressed their wish for the woman to face charges and for this event to highlight the potential dangers of electric scooters. The family also desires for city leaders to implement necessary measures to enhance scooter safety. "I don't think this person riding along on a scooter realized that she killed a person," Park told CBS. According to ABC7, Park said about her uncle after refusing initial treatment, "So they insisted that he goes, but he was like, 'No, no, I'm ok, just bandage up my wound.'"
Electric scooters are not permitted on sidewalks according to local traffic laws and must be used in designated bike lanes. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the incident to step forward and contact the LAPD's Olympic Community Police Station.
