Juvenile Killed, Driver for Murder After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving Pedestrian NR23788ne/ti

Sun Valley: The Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Detectives (VTD), have arrested the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision that killed a juvenile male.

On December 16th, 2023, around 11:15 p.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred at Strathern Street east of Craner Avenue. A 2007, Cadillac, SUV, silver in color, was traveling recklessly at a high rate of speed eastbound Strathern Street when it lost control and hit several parked vehicles, and a pedestrian walking on the roadway. Debris from the violent collision hit a second pedestrian who was also walking on the sidewalk. The driver and sole occupant of the Cadillac exited his vehicle momentarily then fled the scene on foot eastbound Strathern Street failing to identify self, or render aid as required by law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported both pedestrians to local hospitals. One of the pedestrians died as a result of the injuries sustained, the other one was treated for moderate injuries and he is expected to recover. The deceased pedestrian was a juvenile male, Hispanic, approximately 15 years of age. His name is being withheld pending identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Valley Traffic Detectives and patrol personnel conducted several interviews and follow-ups leading to the identification of the suspect driver. The driver of the Cadillac has been identified as 22-year-old Joseph Delgado, a resident of the city of North Hills. He was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail for 187(A) PC-Murder, booking number 6727769.

Motorists are reminded to drive at a safe speed for the conditions, speeding and reckless driving carries serious consequences. If you become involved in a collision, you should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify self.

The public is also reminded that as pedestrians, they should obey the rules of the road and walk on designated walking areas, such as sidewalks and crosswalks.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at (818) 644-8036 or Officer Reyes at (818) 644-8114. 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.