Fatal Hit-and-Run Leaves Pedestrian Dead NR24125ti/hg

Northridge: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division detectives are investigating the collision that resulted in the death of a woman in her 30s.

On April 15, 2024, around 2:55 a.m., a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision occurred near the area of Tampa Avenue and Business Center Drive. A pedestrian was pushing a shopping cart northbound on Tampa Avenue, near the curb, when she was struck from behind by a white Chevrolet Express van with side windows. The van had front-end collision damage, caused by the impact with both the pedestrian and the shopping cart.

The force of the collision caused the pedestrian to collide with the roadway. The shopping cart was propelled in a northeast direction on the roadway. The driver of the white Chevrolet Express Van continued northbound on Tampa Avenue and then made a right turn onto eastbound Nordhoff Street, failing to stop, identify themselves, or render aid as required by law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the female, described a White woman in her 30s, deceased at the scene. Her name is being withheld pending identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Valley Traffic Detectives are urging anyone who was driving in the area of Tampa Avenue and Business Center Drive around 2:55 a.m. to come forward with any information they may have to aid in the identification of the hit-and-run vehicle and driver.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

Pedestrians are reminded to use a crosswalk, cross the street in a safe manner as to not cause a hazard to other motorists legally on the roadway.

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 with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at (818) 644-8036 or Officer Santos at (818) 644-8024. 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.