Announce Arrest of Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR19038rc

Newton: The Los Angeles Police Department and Central Traffic Division detectives have arrested 30-year-old Wilfredo Vaquiz Escobar, a resident of Los Angeles.

On February 17, 2019, around 2:40 a.m., Central Traffic Officers responded to the area of 33rd Street and Central Avenue for a traffic collision. During the officers’ investigation, it was determined that Escobar was driving his 2017, white Honda Accord with 6 passengers in an unsafe speed south bound Central Avenue. When he approached 33rd Street Escobar lost control of his vehicle and spun out.

Escobar plowed into six parked vehicles that were severely damaged. The initial powerful force of the collision caused one of his male passengers to be ejected from the vehicle. The male passenger was thrown out of the vehicle and landed on the street. When Escobar’s vehicle came to rest, it was on the wrong side of the street as it collided with the 6th parked vehicle.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported four passengers to a local hospital in stable condition. The other two passengers were treated and released at scene.

Escobar, the driver of the hit and run vehicle failed to stop, render aid and identify himself as required by law.

Officers conducted a follow up, around 8 a.m., where they located and arrested Escobar at his residence in South Los Angeles.

Escobar was booked for felony DUI causing injuries, 23153(A) VC. His bail was set at $100,000 and will be arraigned on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, in Department 30, at 210 W. Temple Street.

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 about this collision is asked to contact Central Traffic Division, Detective Moses Castillo at (213) 833-3713 and or email at 30215@lapd.online.

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 ww.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.