Bicyclist’s Life Stripped Away While a Driver is Wanted for Murder NR09584cj

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in locating a motorist who is responsible for a hit-and-run incident, and killing of bicyclist Robert Painter.

On December 2, 2009, at around 5:10 p.m., a man, driving a dark green or black Jeep Grand Cherokee, was traveling northbound on Laurel Canyon Boulevard when he struck Painter who was riding on his bicycle through a crosswalk at Archwood Street.  The impact of the collision launched Painter off of his bike into the air and falling to the ground where he suffered severe injuries.  The suspect immediately fled the scene without rendering any aide.   Los Angeles paramedics responded to the scene and transported Painter to a nearby hospital where he was in labeled in critical condition.  

The driver of the car is described as a male Hispanic 30 to 35 years old with dark hair and dark clothes.   There was also a female passenger who was described as possibly wearing a red coat.  The suspect’s car is said to have collision damage on the front end of the driver’s side.  The suspect’s car was last seen entering an Arco gas station at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Van Owen Street a block north of where the collision occurred.   
 
On December 12, 2009, Robert Painter, a Canadian citizen who had been residing in North Hollywood, died at the hospital from his injuries during the collision.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives Doug Larkin at 818-644-8036 or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8020.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.