Fatal Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision Involving a Pedestrian NR23100mp

April 28, 2023

Update

Valley Traffic Division: On April 27, 2023, Valley Traffic Detectives recovered the hit-and-run vehicle and arrested 21-year-old, Mary Inez Mercado, a resident of Granada Hills. Mercado was booked for 20001(A) VC-Felony Hit and Run Causing Death and is being held on $50,000 bail (Booking No. 6594326).

Sylmar:   Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision that killed a man in his 40’s.

On April 21, 2023, around 12:50 a.m., a dark-colored vehicle was traveling westbound on Hubbard Street when it collided with a pedestrian west of Adelphia Avenue. The pedestrian was walking on the north side of Hubbard Street pushing a shopping cart when he was hit by the vehicle. The dark-colored sedan continued westbound and stopped near the area of Hubbard Street and Dronfield Avenue, where the driver momentarily exited the vehicle. Shortly after, the driver re-entered the vehicle and drove away. The hit and run driver failed to stop, identify themselves, or attempt to render aid to the pedestrian.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the male pedestrian to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.

The hit and run driver is described as a female Hispanic in her 20’s.

Motorists 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.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at (818) 644-8036 or Officer Sison at (818) 644-8029.  During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. 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 L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.