Fatal Hit and Run Involving Bicyclist NR23238mp

March 19, 2024 NR23238dc

UPDATE

On March 18, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic detectives located and arrested the suspect wanted in the below Fatal Hit and Run that occurred on August 12, 2023. The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Daniel Antonio Garcia, a resident of Panorama City.

He was arrested for 20001(A) VC: Felony Hit and Run Causing Death, booking No. 6777423.

Arleta: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision that killed a bicyclist.

On August 12, 2023, around 10:50 p.m., a black Infiniti sedan was traveling westbound Van Nuys Boulevard at an unsafe speed when it veered right to pass another vehicle west of Lev Avenue. The Infiniti then collided with a bicyclist who was riding his bike westbound Van Nuys Boulevard. The force of the collision caused the bicyclist to be thrown in a northwest direction, colliding with a parked car before coming to rest on the sidewalk. The black Infiniti continued westbound on Van Nuys Boulevard without stopping or rendering aid to the victim. A witness attempted to follow and stop the male driver, but the driver pointed a gun at the witness and drove away in a reckless manner. The black Infiniti was described as Q50 with heavy damage to the right front fender, sustained during the collision.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the bicyclist deceased. The bicyclist was described as a male, Hispanic, 40-50 years of age. His identity is being withheld pending his identification and notification of next of kin.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a traffic collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, notify emergency service, and remain at the scene as required by law.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at (818) 644-8036 or Officer Garcia at (818) 644-8117. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.