Suspect Charged in Fatal Hit & Run of 91-Year-Old Man NR19168jl

UPDATE North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division (VTD) has named Joyce Bernann McKinney, as the person involved in the Fatal Hit and Run traffic collision that took the life of 91-year-old, Gennady Bolotsky. The fatal incident took place in North Hollywood on Monday June 16th, around 5:40 in the morning. Investigators believe that McKinney was driving her 2006 white GMC pick-up truck when she struck Mr. Bolotsky as he was walking with his dog in a cross-walk at Magnolia Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue.

On June 21, 2019, investigators followed up on a lead provided by a citizen that a vehicle matching the described suspect vehicle may be parked in the city of Burbank, near the Burbank Airport. Investigators followed-up to that area and located the described vehicle which McKinney was the sole occupant of. During the investigation, detectives learned that McKinney had warrants for battery and public nuisance from an unrelated investigation. McKinney was taken into custody on those outstanding warrants and booked into Valley Jail Division in Van Nuys. McKinney’s vehicle was also taken into custody at that time and was processed by VTD investigators for evidence related to the fatal collision.

While McKinney was in custody for the unrelated warrants, investigators gathered their evidence and July 01, 2019 presented their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. The felony charges filed in the fatal hit & run collision investigation are: 1) Assault with a Deadly Weapon (not a firearm), 2) Hit & Run with Injury, and 3) Vehicular Manslaughter.

McKinney remains in custody on the previous warrants. Her combined bail amount now stands at $137,500.00. McKinney is a female White, with a birthdate of August 06, 1950. She is a transient and appeared to be living out of her 2006 white GMC pick-up truck with three dogs at the time of her arrest.

This investigation remains ongoing and the fact that McKinney is in custody with charges filed, should not dissuade anyone from providing additional information related to this tragic collision that took the life of Gennady Bolotsky. We urge anyone with any information regarding this incident or, information about McKinney, to contact Valley Traffic Division investigators at (818) 644-8020. 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.

North Hollywood: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division detectives are investigating a fatal hit and run traffic collision that occurred at Magnolia Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue.

On Monday, June 17, 2019, around 5:35 a.m., a severe hit and run traffic collision occurred on Magnolia Boulevard at Wilkinson Avenue. An unidentified vehicle was traveling eastbound Magnolia Boulevard, approaching Wilkinson Avenue. The vehicle collided with a pedestrian, who was walking northbound on Wilkinson Avenue, inside the marked crosswalk. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and render aid, identify him/herself as required by law.

Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the 92-year old, male pedestrian to a local hospital, where he later died due to his injuries. The name of the deceased will not be released until next-of-kin has been notified.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should stop, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

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 $50,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives, Officer Fredo at (818) 644-8029 or Officer Reyes at (818) 644-8032. 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.