Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a Fatal Hit and Run that killed a 46-year-old man.   

On January 16, 2021, at 7:50 a.m., a suspect stole a white 2010 Toyota Tacoma in the 900 block of Wilshire Boulevard.  The owner of the vehicle was making a delivery and left the truck running.  The suspect, who was walking by, asked the owner of the truck for a ride, but the owner refused.  At that time, the suspect entered the truck. The owner attempted to stop the suspect from leaving with the truck by jumping into the bed of the truck.  

The suspect began to drive at a high rate of speed.  The owner of the truck realized he was in grave danger if he stayed in the bed of the truck and jumped out. The owner sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses on 7th Street, observed the suspect driving at a high rate of speed, weaving in-and-out of traffic and driving on the opposite side of 7th Street. Before reaching Olive Street, a male Black 46-year-old bicyclist, was travelling eastbound on the westbound side of 7th Street.  The suspect struck the bicyclist at a high rate of speed causing the bicyclist to land on the hood of the truck.  The bicyclist’s body travelled over 150 feet eastbound before coming to rest on the street just before Hill Street.  The suspect continued eastbound 7th Street from Hill Street.   

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded, and paramedics rendered aid, ultimately the bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.  The name of the bicyclist is being withheld pending notification of family members.   

The suspect continued and became involved in a second collision with two other vehicles, causing the truck to become disabled.  The suspect fled the scene of the second collision on foot.   

The suspect is described as a male Black, short hair, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 to 160 lbs., and he may have injuries to his head from impacting the windshield during the second collision.

Video surveillance captured the suspect removing a blue hooded sweat shirt.  Additionally, the suspect was seen picking up a white hooded sweat shirt and putting it on.  The suspect was also wearing black pants and was barefooted.   

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

If anyone has information regarding the collision, please contact Detective Juan Campos, Central Traffic Detectives, at 213-833-3713 or e-mail [email protected] or Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-833-3746. During weekends and off-hours calls should be directed to the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  For anonymous calls please call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org, or Tipsters www.lapdonline.org