Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR20017ii

Arleta: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the identification of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision which left a bicyclist dead.

On Sunday, January 19, 2020, around 7:00 p.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred on Branford Street west of Arleta Avenue. A light-colored Mercedes sedan, possibly silver was travelling westbound Branford Street when it collided with a bicyclist. The bicyclist was riding across Branford Street in a northwest direction when he was hit. The driver of the sedan failed to stop and render aid, identify him/herself as required by law.

Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the male bicyclist to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The bicyclist is described as a Male, Hispanic in his late 30’s. His name will not be released until next-of-kin has been notified.

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.

The City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund in April 2015. 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.

Anyone with information about this traffic collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives, Officer Martinez, at (818) 644-8022. 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 onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.