Hit-and-Run Suspect in Custody NR09503gb

Los Angeles:  A hit and run driver believed to have been involved in a near-fatal hit and run accident turned herself in to the Simi Valley Police Department Monday morning.

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, at around 4:20 p.m. a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of DeGarmo Avenue and Vaughn Street in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles.  A two-door 1998 Chevy Cavalier, red and black in color, was traveling westbound on Vaughn Street when it ran a stop sign and collided with a bicyclist who was riding on DeGarmo Avenue.

The suspect in the Chevy Cavalier left the scene without providing identification or rendering aid to the bicyclist, who was thrown from his bicycle and fell to the ground approximately 30 feet from the initial impact.

The 26-year-old bicyclist and resident of Pacoima suffered major injuries.  He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

After an exhaustive investigation, including assistance from the Simi Valley Police Department, the suspect’s car was located and impounded as evidence.  The suspect driver, identified as 40-year-old Teri Hawkins, a resident of Simi Valley, turned herself in to the Simi Valley Police Department on October 19, 2009.  Valley Traffic Detectives responded and took her into custody.  She was booked on Felony hit-and-run charges and is being held on $80,000 bail.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact LAPD Valley Traffic Division, Investigator C. Laurino at 818-644-8115.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.