A late-night walk on East Olympic Boulevard ended in tragedy Monday when a pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run in East Los Angeles, authorities said. California Highway Patrol officers found the man lying in the roadway near South Arizona Avenue at 11:02 p.m., and Los Angeles County Fire personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators say the victim may have been hit by more than one vehicle, and they are now tracking down people believed to be involved.
Scene and response
California Highway Patrol officers were dispatched to East Olympic Boulevard and South Arizona Avenue at 11:02 p.m., where they discovered a man lying on the ground, CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig told City News Service, according to MyNewsLA. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s name in early reports.
Witness reports and the search
Evidence at the scene suggested more than one impact, and detectives canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses. According to MyNewsLA, investigators said "the victim might have been struck by multiple vehicles," while Fox 11 reported that three people in one vehicle briefly stopped to look at the victim, then drove away. Police say they are searching for three people believed to be involved in the incident.
What the law says
Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death can be charged as a felony under California Vehicle Code section 20001. The law requires any driver involved in a collision that injures or kills someone to stop, provide assistance, and share identifying information. A violation that results in a death can carry prison time. The full text of the statute is available through the California Legislature.
How to help
CHP investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the department’s local office, and tips can also be submitted through the CHP website. For updates and contact details, visit the California Highway Patrol. Local news outlets are expected to follow any developments as detectives pursue new leads.
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