Baby Killed, Toddler Injured, by Hit & Run Driver

Update:  Suspect, Henry Yovanni Moreno age 30, a resident of Southgate has been arrested and charged for Vehicular Manslaughter.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify the driver of a vehicle that struck a mother and her two children while they were walking in a crosswalk early Sunday evening; killing an 11-month old baby girl and seriously injuring her 5-year-old sister.

On February 1, 2009, at around 6:10 p.m., the woman was pushing her children in a stroller across Bonnie Brae Avenue at Olympic Boulevard.  All three were in a marked crosswalk when they were hit by a black, 1991 Honda, license number 2ZDN987, being driven by a Hispanic man in his thirties.  The car was later abandoned near the Staples Center at 12th Street and Figueroa Avenue and is in police custody.

All three victims were transported to local hospitals by Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics.  The 11-month-old child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.  The toddler was hospitalized in critical but stable condition and the mother received minor injuries.  The identity of the victim is being withheld until notifications can be made.

Anyone with information about this incident and who may have information that could lead investigators to the suspect is urged to contact Rampart Area Homicide Detectives at 213-484-3450.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website  www.lapdonline.org.  All tips are anonymous.