The Los Angeles Police Department is currently on the lookout for a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in the San Fernando Valley. Early Sunday morning, a man was struck and subsequently passed away after an altercation with a vehicle. The LAPD has stated that the incident took place at approximately 12:05 a.m., on Van Nuys Boulevard, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles. The suspect, driving a black Tesla Model Y, hit the man while he lay in the middle of the road and fled without stopping.
A second source, KTLA, further clarified that the crash occurred near Huston Street, where the driver continued southbound post-collision. The victim was a 62-year-old white male, a resident of Ventura County, whose identity remains withheld pending family notification. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene, prompting an investigation by LAPD Valley Traffic Division detectives who are seeking public assistance.
The investigation by local authorities also revealed that the individual had been dropped off at Sherman Oaks Hospital right before the incident, after experiencing a mental health crisis, according to information from ABC7. After the drop off, the man reportedly ran onto the street, which led to the deadly encounter with the Tesla driver, who remains at large.
In response to this incident, city officials reemphasized the legal obligations of drivers involved in collisions to stop, render aid, and notify authorities. An incentive has been established in the form of a reward reaching up to $50,000 through the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. This fund aims to encourage the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the suspect involved. Individuals with potential leads or relevant information are urged to contact Valley Traffic Division Investigator Takishita at 818-644-8116 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
