$50,000 Reward Offered for Hit and Run

What:
News Conference
When:
Thursday, November 17, 2005
9:00 AM
Where:
Van Nuys Community Police Station
6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys (Government Center)
Who:
Councilmember Alex Padilla
Captain Ronald Marbrey, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Division for Spanish Media
Victim’s Family Members
Why:
Councilmember Alex Padilla and Valley Traffic Detectives will ask for the public’s help and announce a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person responsible for the death of hit and run victim, Mr. Valerio Capilitan, 81-years-old at the time.
On Saturday, August 6, 2005, at about 5:50 AM, Mr. Capilitan was entering a parked vehicle on Van Nuys Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Van Nuys Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, identify him/herself and render aid to Mr. Capilitan. He died a short time later at a local hospital. Our investigation revealed that Mr. Capilitan along with his wife and three friends were preparing for a trip to Las Vegas when this tragic accident occurred.
Left at the scene was a passenger side mirror, tan in color. We have determined that the mirror belongs to a 1995-1999 Ford Taurus or a Mercury Sable.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Toni Wolfe, Valley Traffic Division, at 818-756-839. On weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free, 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).