A nighttime walk in Westlake turned violent on March 18 when a woman in her 50s was hit by a car while crossing Shatto Street, then left in the road as the driver sped off, according to police. The collision happened around 7:50 p.m. as she headed westbound in a marked crosswalk, officials said. The dark-colored vehicle continued north on Witmer Street instead of stopping to help. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics treated the woman at the scene.
Police renew plea for tips
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division is again asking the public to help track down the driver and the vehicle, NBC Los Angeles reported. The outlet notes that the dark-colored car was traveling north on Witmer Street when it struck the pedestrian, then kept going. Investigators have not released any description of the driver or the car’s make and model, and they are especially interested in dash-cam or security video from the area.
Reward on the table and how to report
The department has a standing reward of up to $25,000 through the city’s hit-and-run reward program, according to CBS Los Angeles. That program is run through the Los Angeles Administrative Code’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, the Los Angeles Police Department notes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Herrera in the LAPD Central Traffic Division at 213-833-3713, or the department’s 24/7 tip line at 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
Why this hit-and-run matters
Pedestrians are getting hit and killed on Los Angeles streets at an alarming clip, and this case is one more reminder. City collision data show hundreds of traffic deaths every year, with people on foot making up a big share of that toll. LAist reports that traffic collisions claimed 290 lives in Los Angeles last year and that Vision Zero safety efforts are still very much a work in progress.
Police are urging anyone who saw the March 18 crash or has video from around Shatto and Witmer to come forward, noting that even small details can help crack a hit-and-run case and may qualify for the reward. Officers also reminded pedestrians to stick to marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals, especially after dark, when visibility is low, and drivers are more likely to miss someone in the street.
