Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Elderly Pedestrian NR12194rf

WHAT:
News conference to announce a $50,000 reward in connection with the hit-and-run death of a 78-year-old pedestrian.  A photo of the victim will also be on display.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 30, 2012
10 a.m.
WHERE:Western Avenue and 55th Street
Los Angeles 90062

WHO:
District 8 Los Angeles City Councilmember Bernard C. Parks
LAPD South Traffic Division Commanding Officer Captain Ron Marbrey
LAPD South Traffic Division Detective Officer-in-Charge Jimmy Render
Family members of victim

WHY:
To announce a $50,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run driver who killed 78-year-old Jimmie Thomas.

On Monday, June 18, 2012, at about 12 p.m., LAPD South Traffic Division (STD) officers responded to a hit-and-run traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Western Avenue near 55th Street.  The investigation showed that the victim was crossing Western Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle heading south on Western Avenue. Thomas suffered severe injuries from the impact and died seven days later at a local hospital.

Detectives believe the hit-and-run vehicle is possibly a dark-colored  2000 through 2005 Ford Escape. The driver, who left the scene of the collision without stopping to render aid or provide identification as required by law, is described as a Black male with a skinny build in his 30s.

Anyone with information about this incident, especially the location of the driver or hit-and-run vehicle, is asked to contact STD detectives at 323-421-2500.  During weekends and off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAPD24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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.

CONTACT:
For more information about the news conference, call STD InvestigatorYount at 323-421-2535.