A 71-year-old pedestrian was left severely injured following a hit-and-run in Los Angeles' Koreatown neighborhood. The incident, which occurred on December 13, was reported by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division who are now asking for public assistance in locating the driver responsible, according to the LAPD's official news release.
The elderly victim was standing beside his vehicle in the southbound lane of New Hampshire Avenue, just south of 8th Street, at around 6:40 p.m. when a white Ford F-150 struck him. After hitting the pedestrian, the driver did not stop to offer help or identify themselves as mandated by California law, but rather sped away, with the vehicle last being spotted heading westbound on James M. Wood Boulevard from New Hampshire Avenue, stated by the LAPD.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a local hospital for medical treatment. As per KTLA's report, the victim is expected to survive his injuries. The truck involved has been described as an older model, and detectives from the LAPD’s West Traffic Division are keenly intent on following up on any leads that come forth.
LAPD has reminded both motorists and pedestrians of their respective duties on the road. Motorists are advised that in the event of a collision, "they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves," as indicated in the news release. Pedestrians too, must adhere to traffic regulations and only traverse streets when conditions are safe. After an amendment made by the City Council on April 15, 2015, the city has put forth a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, offering a reward of up to $50,000 to those who provide information that could lead to the arrest and conviction, or a civil resolution, of the driver in cases such as this one.
Members of the community with any details on the collision are urged to come forward and contact West Traffic Division Detective Holmes at 213-473-0238. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or through their website, and individuals can download the "P3 Tips" mobile application, selecting the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program, for reporting as well.
