South L.A. Cops Hunt Red Minivan Driver In Normandie Hit-and-Run

A South L.A. motorcyclist is recovering from serious injuries while police search for a driver who allegedly slammed into him, then took off in a red minivan instead of stopping to help.

Los Angeles police say they are turning to the public for help tracking down the hit-and-run driver and are putting a reward on the table to bring the suspect in.

Crash details and vehicle description

According to the MyNewsLA report, the collision was reported around 6:50 a.m. on March 15. Investigators say an older-model red Honda Odyssey minivan was heading south on Normandie Avenue when it struck a motorcycle going northbound near 48th Street.

The impact threw the rider from the bike. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the motorcyclist to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries, police said.

Instead of stopping, officers say, the red minivan left the scene and continued east on 48th Street toward Raymond Avenue.

Police appeal and reward

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding drivers that leaving the scene is not an option.

"Motorists are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves," the department said.

Detectives have approved a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the suspect’s identity, arrest and conviction. Anyone with details about the crash is asked to contact South Traffic Division Officer Edwin Lozada at 213-677-9791, or 877-527-3247 after hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at LA Regional Crime Stoppers.

Investigators are also asking anyone with surveillance, cellphone or dash-cam footage from the area and time of the crash to come forward so they can pinpoint the minivan and its driver, according to MyNewsLA.

Why leaving the scene can mean a felony

Under California law, drivers involved in collisions that injure someone are required to stop, identify themselves and provide reasonable aid. Walking or driving away can turn a bad crash into a felony case.

Vehicle Code section 20001 lays out those obligations and the penalties for violating them, which can include state prison time and fines of up to $10,000 when injury or death is involved. The statute text is available from the California Legislature.

Hit-and-run trend in South L.A.

Hit-and-run crashes have become a grimly familiar problem in parts of South Los Angeles, fueling demands for tougher enforcement and safer streets.

The Los Angeles Times has reported on clusters of hit-and-run incidents that helped renew focus on the city’s Vision Zero traffic-safety program and highlighted how often public tips make or break a case. Local investigators say video from bystanders is frequently the key that lets detectives track fleeing drivers back to their doors.

In this latest South L.A. case, anyone with information or footage from the March 15 crash is urged to call South Traffic Division Officer Edwin Lozada at 213-677-9791, or 877-527-3247 after hours, or to submit anonymous tips through LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Police stress that staying at the scene and rendering aid can be the difference between life and death, and that community members often supply the crucial lead that helps identify hit-and-run suspects.