Hit-and-Run Incident Kills Pedestrian Detectives Believe Driver’s Actions Were Intentional NR13144rf

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Central Area homicide detectives are investigating the killing of a pedestrian whom they believe was intentionally hit by a suspect driving a suburban utility vehicle.

Yesterday, about 4:45 p.m., a Hispanic man about 50 years old was standing in the street near the west curb of the 600 block of San Julian Street when he was violently struck by a vehicle heading north on San Julian Street.  The suspect, whom witnesses described only as a 45- to 55-year-old male Hispanic, appeared to intentionally point his SUV at the victim and accelerate at a high rate of speed.

Upon impact, the victim was propelled about 60 feet through the air.  The suspect driver failed to stop and continued north on San Julian Street, then turned right on 6th Street and headed east.

At this time, efforts are still underway to identify the victim, and the motive for the crime remains undetermined.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call LAPD Central Homicide Detective Ortiz at 213-972-1258 or Detective Marengo at 213-972-1249. 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.