Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR19010ml

February 7, 2019
NR19010rc

Update
On January 17, 2019, 47-year-old Freddy Prieto, resident of
Norwalk, was arrested. He was charged with 192 C (2) PC-Vehicular
Manslaughter, 20001(a) VC-Hit and Run with Death and 20002(a)
VC-Hit and Run with Property Damage. Prieto will appear in court
on Monday, February 11, 2019, in Department 60, at 1945 S. Hill
Street.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s
Central Traffic Detectives are asking for the public’s help in
providing any information that would lead to the identification and
arrest of a suspect involved in a fatal hit and run collision, that
killed a 57-year-old woman, a resident of Los Angeles.

On January 16, 2019, around 7:35 a.m., Northeast Area patrol
officers responded to the 1800 block of Hyperion Avenue for a radio
call of a ‘Found Body’.

A witness who was collecting recyclables discovered the victim and
had a local business in the area call 9-1-1. When the officers
arrived, Los Angeles Fire Department was already at scene and had
declared the victim deceased.

The death was undetermined in the initial stages of the patrol
officers’ investigation. However, the officers reviewed
surveillance video from a local business across the street, and
determined the incident to be a possible hit and run
otherwise.

The video revealed that a tan or brown 2010 to 2013, 4-door, Toyota
Corolla was travelling southbound on Hyperion Avenue passing Udell
Court. The Corolla loses control and spun into the northbound lanes
on Hyperion Avenue and onto the sidewalk.

The video shows the victim was on the sidewalk standing next to two
trashcans when she was struck by the Corolla. The trashcans and the
victim were launched approximately 15-feet into an open area
between two buildings.

Moments later, what appears to be a male driver, exits the vehicle,
and appears to inspect the damage to his vehicle. The driver then
re-enters his vehicle, and fled southbound Hyperion Avenue. The
suspect failed to render aid as required by law.

The Corolla has obvious damage to the right side.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of
next of kin.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles
Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust
Fund. A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members
who provide information leading to the offender’s identification,
apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil
compromise.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision,
they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so,
notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify
themselves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central
Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective-II
Juan Campos (213) 486-0755. 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
the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477)
or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also
visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under
the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.
Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile
application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their
local program.