The Los Angeles Police Department is currently seeking public assistance in tracking down the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident on Lincoln Boulevard. At approximately 5:36 a.m. on Wednesday, a red Toyota Tacoma of an older model struck a pedestrian – whose identity remains protected until family members are informed. This event took place as the pedestrian was crossing eastbound between Fiji Way and the Culver Boulevard overpass, LAPD reports.
The aftermath of the collision was immediate and fatal: Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. As standard procedure dictates, and while awaiting the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office to carry out next-of-kin notifications, the identity of the deceased is being withheld, as per the LAPD. The driver involved, on the other hand, fled without fulfilling their legal obligations to provide aid and identification – a grim violation of trust and safety on our city's roads.
In light of such tragedies, the LAPD reminds all motorists of their duty in the event of an accident: stop as soon as it's safe, notify emergency services, and remain on scene. Adding to the urgency of justice in these cases, a reward of up to $50,000 may be on the table for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of hit-and-run offenders – courtesy of a City Council amendment in 2015 which established a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund.
Individuals with knowledge about this specific hit-and-run are encouraged to reach out to the West Traffic Division detectives at (213) 473-0234, with the option of anonymous tips available through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or their website. Further assistance can be provided through the P3 Tips mobile application, by selecting the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as the preferred program, LAPD's official notification stated.
