Police, City Officials Offer Rewards For Fatal Hit and Run Investigations (Revised)

Los Angeles: Police and city officials today announced rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for five hit and run accidents in which the victims died.

9-Year-Old Boy

A $30,000 reward is being offered for a fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident that occurred on Thursday, December 15, 2005, at approximately 4:30 p.m., near the intersection of Rodeo Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard. The collision occurred when the victim, a 9-year-old boy, was crossing Rodeo Road southbound from the north curb. While crossing, he was struck by a 1970s red or maroon Lincoln or Ford, with a tire kit (spare tire) mounted on the rear bumper. The car was driven by an unknown female.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sean Williams, South Traffic Division, at 323-290-6063, during normal hours. After hours and on weekends, please call the South Traffic Watch Commander at 213-485-7336, or the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855.)

The Los Angeles City Council has also approved rewards for the following investigations:

Mr. Farrell Lotzar

On Wednesday, November 23, 2005, at approximately 6:10 a.m., Mr. Farrell Lotzar, a 63-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was walking across 6th Street in the east crosswalk at Valencia Street, when he was struck by a motorcycle driving westbound on 6th Street. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown from his bike, and remained at the scene for a short time before walking away without identifying himself. Mr. Lotzar died at the scene of the accident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Kaden, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1837, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855.)

Ms. Micheline Fernande Mayes

On Friday, December 2, 2005, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Ms. Micheline Fernande Mayes, a 74-year-old resident of Seaside, CA, was visiting her son in Los Angeles. As she was attempting to cross Lucile Avenue, she was struck by a 1990-1995 dark-colored Ford Thunderbird traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver stopped briefly and then sped southbound from the location. Ms. Mayes was transported by paramedics to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital where she later died.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Felix Padilla, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1825, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855.)

Mr. Bernard Fondong

On Saturday, December 3, 2005, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision occurred on Alexandria Street near the intersection of 4th Street. Mr. Bernard Fondong, a 74-year-old resident of Carson, was standing next to a parked vehicle on Alexandria Street when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle traveling southbound on Alexandria.

Mr. Fondong was transported by LAFD paramedics to USCMC where he later died as a result of his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Kaden, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1837, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855.)

Ms. Sulma Orellana

On Sunday, December 11, 2005, at approximately 10:40 p.m., a fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Virgil and Burns Avenues.

Ms. Sulma Orellana, a 29-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was standing on the east side of Virgil Avenue, adjacent to cars parked on the east curb, when she was struck by a Ford, Dodge or Nissan pick up truck traveling northbound on Virgil. Ms. Orellana later died from her injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Kaden, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1837, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855.)

The date of Mr. Lotzar was changed from December 21, 2005 to November 23, 2005.