Los Angeles police are still looking for a driver they say ran down a pedestrian in Panorama City earlier this month, then took off. The victim, described by authorities as a Hispanic man in his 30s, was rushed to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Investigators say the driver never stopped or tried to help.
What LAPD says about the crash
According to KTLA, citing an LAPD news release, the collision happened on Feb. 7, when a vehicle heading west on Devonshire Street at Densmore Avenue hit the pedestrian. Police have not released a description of the vehicle, and detectives are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them. Investigators say they are combing through surveillance and doorbell video from nearby homes and businesses to piece together what happened.
How to help investigators
The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division is asking anyone with information to call Investigator Ramirez at 818-644-8025, or to leave anonymous tips with L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the driver, according to the LAPD. Detectives are urging residents and business owners to review any doorbell, dashcam or security footage from around Feb. 7.
Legal consequences
Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death without stopping and providing aid is a felony under California law (Vehicle Code 20001) and can mean prison time and fines. The statute requires drivers involved in such collisions to stop immediately and offer reasonable assistance, with tougher penalties when a crash results in death or permanent serious injury; see California Vehicle Code 20001.
A pattern in the Valley
Panorama City and the wider San Fernando Valley have been dealing with a run of hit-and-run cases, including deadly incidents in December and a January collision that left a skateboarder critically injured. The string of cases has kept Valley traffic detectives busy, with recent coverage highlighting the LAPD’s push for video evidence and public tips, as reported by skateboarder in critical condition after hit-and-run and NBC Los Angeles.
Anyone with information about the crash at Devonshire Street and Densmore Avenue is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Investigator Ramirez at 818-644-8025 or call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Anonymous tips may be eligible for the reward. Police say the investigation is ongoing and that detectives are following up on all leads.
