A scooter ride for a 9-year-old girl in Koreatown ended at the hospital on Tuesday night after a driver hit her and took off, according to authorities. The collision happened on the 2900 block of James M. Wood Boulevard shortly after 9 p.m., and witnesses told police the driver continued eastbound without stopping. Emergency crews took the child to a nearby hospital, and police have opened a hit-and-run investigation.
What we know
According to KTLA, Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded to the 2900 block of James M. Wood Boulevard shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday, where paramedics treated the girl and transported her to a local hospital. The station reported that witnesses described the child as about 9 years old and said the driver left the scene heading east on James M. Wood Boulevard. Video shared with the outlet showed the injured girl sitting on the sidewalk while first responders worked around her.
Police response and how to help
The LAPD's West Traffic detectives, who regularly handle serious hit-and-run crashes in the area, are investigating Tuesday night's collision. The department notes that the city operates a Hit-and-Run Reward Program that can offer up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and conviction of a suspect. Anyone with tips is asked to call West Traffic detectives at (213) 473-0234 or the department's 24/7 tip line at 1-877-LAPD-24-7, per the LAPD.
Scooters and safety
City documents and Los Angeles Department of Transportation reporting indicate that e-scooter incidents have led to hundreds of ambulance responses and more than 200 reported scooter-related incidents in recent years. Many scooter-vehicle collisions are concentrated in the West Traffic Division area, which includes Koreatown. Those numbers highlight ongoing safety challenges as micromobility use grows across Los Angeles, according to records from LADOT.
Legal consequences
California law requires any driver involved in a collision that causes injury to stop and provide aid. Leaving the scene of an injury crash can be charged as a felony under Vehicle Code 20001. Failing to stop after causing only property damage is covered by Vehicle Code 20002, which is a misdemeanor. Prosecutors consider the seriousness of any injuries and other circumstances when deciding what charges to file.
