Hit and Run Driver Arrested after Killing Bicyclist NR16383im

Los Angeles: On December 7, 2016, at approximately 11:06 a.m., a hit and run traffic collision occurred on Washington Boulevard just east of Central Avenue in Newton Division.

The collision occurred when the driver of a 2013 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on Washington Boulevard and struck the rear of a bicyclist riding eastbound in the same lane. The force of the impact launched the victim over the vehicle and he came to rest in the roadway. After the collision, the driver slowed as if he was going to park but then elected to rapidly flee the scene. Fortunately, he was followed by a witness who obtained the license plate number and provided the information to police.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin. He is described as a male, Black, 35 to 40 years of age.

Officers from Central Traffic Division, Newton Area, and Hollywood Area conducted an extensive search for the hit and run driver and discovered that he was parked near a car dealership in the City of Glendale. According to witnesses at that location, the driver was seen wiping debris from the front of his car. Officers from the Glendale Police Department were dispatched to his location and detained him for further investigation. The hit and run driver was then taken into LAPD custody and transported to Central Traffic Division where he was questioned before being booked for vehicular manslaughter and the hit and run. He is described as a male, Filipino, 28 years old and a resident of Los Angeles. He is licensed and insured.

The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation. It did not appear that drugs or alcohol was a factor.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Police Officer Edward McGowan at (213) 486-0761 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 833-3746. 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.