Driver Crashes and Flees, His Passenger Dies

July 7, 2008

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for Felony Hit and Run Driving after he collided with numerous cars and a house, causing the death of a rear seat passenger.

On Saturday, July 5, 2008 at around 2:00 a.m., Jesus Alexander Mejia Escalante, 26 years of age, was driving a gray 1994 Acura Integra southbound on Normandie Avenue at 26th Street. Escalante was speeding when his car collided with a blue 1999 Honda Odyssey.

Escalante failed to stop to identify himself as is required by law, and continued driving southbound on Normandie Avenue. As he neared 36th street he lost control of the Acura and collided with a parked car.

Failing again to stop after causing this second collision, Escalante continued in a southwesterly direction and crashed for a third time, into a house. Though the house was occupied at the time, there were no injuries reported by the residents.

Escalante ran away from the third crash, leaving 22-year-old, Cecillo Flores, dead in the backseat of the car.

Anyone with information regarding the circumstances surrounding this collision or the whereabouts of Escalante is asked to call South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6063, or the South Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-485-7336. On weekends and off hours call the toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL.