Hit and Run Collision Leaves Pedestrian Dead NR20037jc

Playa Del Rey: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division are investigating a fatal hit and run traffic collision that occurred on Pershing Drive north of Manchester Avenue.

On February 13, 2020, around 1:15 a.m., a black Audi A5 was traveling northbound Pershing Drive and collided with a pedestrian standing in the roadway north of Manchester Avenue. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without identifying themselves and did not render aid to the victim as required by law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.

The decedent has been identified as a 48-year-old female. The victim’s name has not been released pending notification to next of kin.

After a thorough investigation and follow-ups conducted by officers of Pacific division, the driver of the Audi was subsequently arrested and the Audi was impounded as evidence.

The driver is identified as 45-year-old Patrick Finkelstein of Santa Monica. Patrick Finkelstein was booked for California Penal Code §191.5(A) – Vehicular Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence with a bail amount set at $100,000.

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 Officer Yoshioka with West Traffic Division Detectives, at (213) 473-0234 or (213) 473-0222. 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.