25,000 Reward Offered For Vehicular Manslaughter Suspect

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, May 24, 2000

Los Angeles – On Saturday, April 29, 2000, at approximately 10:55 PM, the California Highway Patrol responded to a traffic collision call on the South Bound 101 Freeway, just south of Barham Blvd. Upon arrival they discovered a 44-year-old man, Michael Craven, suffering from severe trauma as a result of being run over by a large SUV. According to evidence at the scene and witness statements, the victim was driving on the freeway when individuals riding in a new, dark colored, Chevrolet Suburban, displaying dealer plates that are red, white, and blue in color, began throwing eggs at the victim’s black Jeep Wrangler. The victim pulled to the shoulder of the road and exited his Jeep. The driver of the Suburban accelerated, ran over Mr. Craven, and fled the scene.

Mr. Craven was transported to Cedar’s Sinai Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on April 30, 2000, at 1:50 AM.

On Monday, May 5, 2000, the Los Angeles City Council issued a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the death of Michael Craven.

On Friday, May 26, 2000, at 1:30PM, Councilman Joel Wachs will hold a press conference in front of the North Hollywood Community Police Station, 11640 Burbank Blvd. to formally announce and publicize the issuance of the reward.

Family members and friends of the victim will be present. The case detectives will have additional information, including a composite sketch of the driver of the suspect vehicle.

As of today, detectives have received several tips and a few clues as to what happened that night. Detectives have learned that there may have been at least two passengers (who are not facing any charges) in the suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information please contact North Hollywood Detectives Vince Bancroft and Steve Metz at 818-623-4075 or 818-623-4016. For further information regarding this incident, contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

The information can be anonymous, and if it results in the arrest and prosecution of the suspect, the caller(s) can receive up to $25,000.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Kenneth Scott #25510, Media Relations Section.

For Release 9:00 am PDT
May 24, 2000