$50K Reward Offered for Information Regarding Hit-And-Run Driver NA13143nv

WHAT:
News conference to announce a $50,000 reward that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run driver who caused the death of 22-year-old Ernesto Melendez.

WHEN:
Wednesday, August 28, 2013.
9:45 a.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles City Hall, John Ferraro Council Chamber
200 North Spring Street
3rd Floor, Room 340
Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHO:
Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Council District 4
LAPD Valley Traffic Division Detective William F. Bustos
Family members of victim Ernesto Melendez

WHY:
On Sunday, August 18, 2013, around 1:45 a.m., a gray 2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson was travelling westbound on Ventura Boulevard just west of Kester Avenue when it collided with the open driver’s side door of a parked Ford Focus and two pedestrians who were standing on the roadway by the open door.  One of the individuals hit was a 21-year-old male who was working as a parking attendant.  The second victim was identified as 22-year-old Ernesto Melendez, the owner of the Ford Focus.  Melendez was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.  The driver of the Hyundai continued westbound on Ventura Boulevard from Kester Avenue where he collided with an unoccupied BMW and left the scene.

Detectives are searching for any clues they can find to help solve this case.

Detectives will be on-hand to talk about the reward, provide updates on the investigation.

VISUALS:
A photograph of Ernesto Melendez will be display.

CONTACT:
For additional information, contact LAPD Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8032, or LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910.