In the dark, early hours of Friday morning, a 52-year-old man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run in East Hollywood, authorities said. Police found the victim on the 700 block of North Vermont Avenue, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Collision details
Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to the 700 block of North Vermont Avenue near Seventh Street at about 3:45 a.m. Friday. Investigators say a vehicle heading north on Vermont hit a pedestrian and kept going. The driver then crashed into another vehicle but still continued away from the scene.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the curb. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified him as Tommie Simpson III, 52, according to MyNewsLA.
Investigation
So far, there is no suspect or vehicle description, and detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and any useful surveillance footage. The LAPD’s West Traffic Division, which handles fatal and serious traffic collisions in Hollywood and nearby areas, is leading the investigation. Its detective desk is listed at 213-473-0234, per the LAPD.
Vermont Avenue and safety
Vermont Avenue is part of the city’s Vision Zero High Injury Network, a map of corridors where fatal and severe crashes are heavily concentrated. Safety advocates have long pushed for engineering changes and stronger enforcement along this stretch.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero materials list Vermont as a priority corridor for interventions aimed at reducing deaths on city streets. Planners say targeted street design changes can significantly cut serious collisions.
Legal consequences
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death can be charged as a felony. California Vehicle Code section 20001 requires drivers involved in collisions that injure or kill someone to stop and render aid; failing to do so can bring prison time and fines, according to the state’s code (Vehicle Code §20001).
How to help
Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact LAPD West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234 or call the department’s non-emergency line. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers. The LAPD’s West Traffic Division page provides reporting guidance and contact details for detectives handling fatal traffic cases.
