Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR20094dm

May 17, 2020

 

Update #3

 

On May 17, 2020, around 1:50 a.m., a Central Area Patrol Sergeant located a white 2005 Scion xB, around Gladys Avenue and 6th Street, and was occupied by a female. The vehicle and female matched the description of the Fatal Hit and Run vehicle that collided into Byern Smith and killed him.

 

Central Patrol Officers stopped and detained 59-year old Maria Perez of Bell Gardens. The Detectives' investigation revealed Maria Perez was the driver who collided with Byern Smith and fled the scene without rendering aid or identifying herself as require by law.

 

Maria Perez was booked at Metropolitan Detention Center for 20001(a)VC, Felony Hit and Run, a Felony Warrant and 2-Misdamenaor Warrants, Booking No.593388. Maria Perez's bail is $0.00 as set by Los Angeles County Emergency COVID-19 Directive.

May 11, 2020

 

UPDATE #2

 

 

REWARD $50,000

Suspect's vehicle ................................................ Suspect Driver

 

May 8, 2020

 

UPDATE

Central Traffic Detectives announce $50,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the person driving the vehicle. The vehicle is described as a white 2004-2006 Scion xB. It was last seen westbound 7th Street approaching Central Avenue. There was a 1980's full size van, blue or gray in color, that was directly behind the Scion when the collision occurred.

 

The driver of the van appeared to follow the Scion up to Central Avenue, however, the driver of the van never contacted the police. The occupants of the van were in position to see the collision and see the Scion's license plate number. Detectives are reaching out to occupants of the van to contact them.

The collision was captured on an exterior video surveillance system and is posted on Central Traffic Division's Twitter account, @LAPDCTD24.




Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division are investigating a hit and run traffic collision that resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man.

On May 7, 2020, around 1:55 a.m., a pedestrian was walking on the 1600 block of East 7th Street. Per witnesses, a possible big rig truck struck the pedestrian. The driver of the truck failed to stop, render aid, and to identify himself or herself as required by law.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. The victim is described as a 50-year-old male Black. Identification is unknown at this time and is being determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Drivers 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 City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund in April 2015. A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender's identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Juan Campos at (213) 833-3713, or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 486-3713. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" under the "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P3 Tips" mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.