101-Year-Old Man killed By Hit-And-Run Driver

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Division detectives are investigating a hit and run collision that killed 101-year-old Jose Noriega, a Los Angeles resident.  Detectives are looking for additional witnesses.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, around 6 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred on Lorena Street and Opal Street.

The suspect’s car, a 1997 Chevy Astro van was traveling northbound on Lorena Street when it collided with Noriega, who was walking eastbound on Lorena Street in a marked crosswalk.

The suspect drove away without stopping to rendering aid or exchanging information, in violation of 20001VC, Hit and Run Felony.

Concerned witnesses followed the suspect a short distance and blocked his path. The witnesses detained the suspect until the police arrive.

The driver of the Chevy Astro, has been identified as 41- years-old Ricardo Avalos, a Los Angeles resident.  Avalos was arrested for 192 (c) (1) PC-Vehicular Manslaughter and was later booked at Metropolitan Detention Center. His bail is set at $50,000.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Central Traffic Division detectives at 818-833-3713 or Detective Felix Pedilla at 213-486-0753.  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.