Pedestrian Fatally Struck by a Hit-and-Run Vehicle in Encino NR13454cj

Los Angeles:  On Monday, October 7th, 2013, around 12:15 a.m., a pedestrian was walking westbound Ventura Boulevard at Gaviota Avenue outside the crosswalk when he was struck by a hit and run driver.  The driver of the car failed to stop, identify himself and render aid.  The pedestrian was pronounced dead at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.  The pedestrian is a male in his late 40’s and his identity is pending notification of next of kin.

The car was described as a black newer SUV, possibly an Escalade with possible partial license plate of “6”.  The suspect’s car sustained collision damage to the right front end and it was last seen eastbound Ventura Boulevard then northbound Haskell Avenue.

Later in the day the suspect, 26-year-old Grant James Valentine of Woodland Hills walked into LAPD Valley Traffic Division station with his attorney and turned himself in.  He was arrested and booked for felony hit-and-run and is being held on $50,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Bill Bustos at 818-644-8022.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.