A hit-and-run incident involving a 20-year-old woman disrupted the flow of protesters in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday evening. At around 7:26 p.m., a vehicle collided with the protester at the intersection of 5th and Hill Street. The Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by NBC Los Angeles, identified the suspect's vehicle as a red Toyota, which fled the scene following the crash.
Following the incident, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded and provided medical attention to the injured woman, who suffered an isolated lower extremity injury, as confirmed by the LAFD alert. The victim was then promptly transported in fair condition to a local hospital. Concurrently, CBS News Los Angeles mentioned a police helicopter circled the area, presumably to locate the involved driver.
Earlier in the day, protesters had been active downtown, a march having made its way through Little Tokyo around 4:34 p.m., according to LAPD's report on a social media post. This information correlates with the activity at the time of the hit-and-run given by KTLA, suggesting that the woman was partaking in the day's demonstrations when she was struck.
This hit-and-run adds to a troubling pattern witnessed in the region. Just the day before, a similar event occurred at a "No Kings" demonstration in Riverside, as reported by the Riverside Police Department and echoed by KTLA. The victim in that case, also a woman, survived with significant injuries and is recuperating in stable condition. Footage captured at the Riverside incident showed protesters approaching a black car before it accelerated into the crowd. The search for that driver is active as well.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the downtown Los Angeles hit-and-run. The LAPD has yet to release a detailed description of the red Toyota or its driver, and investigations are ongoing to account for the motive and identity of the individual responsible.
