$25,000 Reward Offered for Hit and Run Suspect

What: Press Conference

When: Thursday, July 26, 2001 10:00 a.m.

Where: West Traffic Division 4849 West Venice Boulevard Los Angeles

Pacific Palisades: The collision, which resulted in the death of 23 year old Misty Miner of Westminster, occurred on March 4, 2001 at 2:30 a.m. on Pacific Coast Highway and Arno Way in the Pacific Palisades. Miner was fatally injured when the GMC SUV she was riding rolled over after being struck by a 1993 Lexus SC400. The collision was so severe that it resulted in both the GMC and Lexus coming to rest nearly two hundred feet apart.

After the collision, the driver the Lexus abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene on foot. In doing so, the driver failed to identify himself, render first aid, or call for emergency medical assistance. The driver was photographed running through the Bel Air Bay Beach Club’s parking lot by the club’s surveillance cameras. These photos will be displayed at the conference.

Upon inspection of the Lexus, detectives found the ignition switch, door locks, and ignition wiring to be intact with both airbags being deployed. However, the registered owners, who reside in the Whittier area, reported the Lexus as stolen eight hours after the collision occurred. As part of the follow-up investigation, detectives interviewed the registered owners of the Lexus, and have served several search warrants. Although the Lexus’ register owners are reluctant to assist in the investigation, the evidence obtained from the search warrants indicated that they might be protecting a relative or family friend from prosecution.

The parents of Miss Miner will be present and are expected to address the media during the press conference.

For further information, please contact Detective Mike Farrell, West Traffic Division, 213-473-0225.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.