Tragic Hit and Run Leaves a Woman Dead NR12075cj

Los Angeles: LAPD Central Traffic detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information about a hit and run traffic collision that left one woman dead and one suspect in custody.

Early, February 10, 2012, around 3:00 a.m, three witnesses were being chased by 19-year-old Rigoberto Xavier Moreno and his occupants in Los Angeles County.  Moreno was driving a Ford Crown Victoria.  The front passenger in Moreno’s car allegedly brandished a weapon at the witnesses as the chase ensued.  As the chased entered the City of Los Angeles, 32-year-old Erica Flores of Los Angeles was driving her 1994 Toyota Camry westbound on 4th Street when she was struck on her driver’s side by Moreno who was traveling northbound on Boyle Avenue through a red phased traffic light.

After the collision, Moreno and his passengers got out of the car and ran from the scene without rendering aid to Flores as required by law.

LAFD rescue personnel responded and pronounced Flores dead at the scene.  Police searched the area for the suspects and detained Moreno and one of his occupants several blocks from the scene.  One of the occupants in Moreno’s car was taken to a local hospital by paramedics and treated for minor injuries related to the collision.

Moreno was identified as the driver of the Ford and arrested. He was booked for Murder (187 PC) at Metropolitan Detention Center.

No weapons were recovered at the collision scene by investigators, and the whereabouts of third occupant is not known at this time.

Please refer any information in regards to this collision to LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives J. Meneses or Detective Rojas at 213-972-1850, or Central Traffic Division’s Watch Commander at 213-972 1853.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.