Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision NR20094dm

May 17, 2020

Update #3

On May 17, 2020, around 1:50 a.m., a Central Area Patrol
Sergeant located a white 2005 Scion xB, around Gladys Avenue and
6th Street, and was occupied by a female. The vehicle and female
matched the description of the Fatal Hit and Run vehicle that
collided into Byern Smith and killed him.

Central Patrol Officers stopped and detained 59-year old Maria
Perez of Bell Gardens. The Detectives’ investigation revealed
Maria Perez was the driver who collided with Byern Smith and fled
the scene without rendering aid or identifying herself as require
by law.

Maria Perez was booked at Metropolitan Detention Center for
20001(a)VC, Felony Hit and Run, a Felony Warrant and
2-Misdamenaor Warrants, Booking No.593388. Maria Perez’s bail is
$0.00 as set by Los Angeles County Emergency COVID-19
Directive.

May 11, 2020

UPDATE #2

REWARD
$50,000

Suspect’s vehicle
………………………………………… Suspect
Driver

May 8, 2020

UPDATE

Central Traffic Detectives announce $50,000 reward for any
information leading to the arrest of the person driving the
vehicle. The vehicle is described as a white 2004-2006 Scion xB.
It was last seen westbound 7th Street approaching Central Avenue.
There was a 1980’s full size van, blue or gray in color, that was
directly behind the Scion when the collision occurred.

The driver of the van appeared to follow the Scion up to Central
Avenue, however, the driver of the van never contacted the
police. The occupants of the van were in position to see the
collision and see the Scion’s license plate number. Detectives
are reaching out to occupants of the van to contact them.

The collision was captured
on an exterior video surveillance system and is posted on Central
Traffic Division’s Twitter account, @LAPDCTD24.

Los Angeles: Detectives from the
Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division are
investigating a hit and run traffic collision that resulted in the
death of a 50-year-old man.

On May 7, 2020, around 1:55 a.m., a pedestrian was walking on the
1600 block of East 7th Street. Per witnesses, a possible big rig
truck struck the pedestrian. The driver of the truck failed to
stop, render aid, and to identify himself or herself as required by
law.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and
pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. The victim is
described as a 50-year-old male Black. Identification is unknown at
this time and is being determined by the Los Angeles County
Coroner’s Office.

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 is urged to contact Detective Juan Campos
at (213) 833-3713, or the Central Traffic Division Watch
Commander at (213) 486-3713. 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.