$25,000 Reward Offered

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles City Council has initiated a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver.

On Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at 12:50 p.m., 49-year-old John Kerns was standing on the south sidewalk of Sunset Boulevard when he was struck by a 1990 Isuzu Amigo. The Isuzu had been traveling westbound on Sunset Boulevard when the driver lost control of his vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk.

The driver abandoned his vehicle and ran away, failing to identify himself or render aid to Mr. Kerns. Mr. Kerns received extensive injuries and was taken to the University of Southern California Medical Center where he later died.

Detectives are currently looking for the registered owner of the Isuzu. This individual is not a suspect, but is only a person of interest. His name is Cristobal Arellano. Arellano is a male Hispanic with short black hair. He is 5 feet tall and weighs 190-200 pounds. He is approximately 22-25 years old. On December 31, 2007, Arellano left to visit his sister who resides in the city of Chino and has not returned home. Arellano is also known to work for an unknown construction company in the city of Diamond Bar.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or Arrelano’s whereabouts is urged to contact Central Traffic Detective Mike Kaden at 213-972-1825. During weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).