Fatal Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision NR22086dm

Van Nuys: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic collision that killed a man.

On March 31, 2022, around 10:15 p.m., a traffic collision occurred near Victory Boulevard and Kester Avenue. A vehicle was traveling east on Victory Boulevard when it collided with a pedestrian on the roadway. The vehicle continued east without stopping or rendering aid to the seriously injured pedestrian, as required by law. Citizens attempted to render aid to the injured pedestrian, but he refused, got up from the ground, and walked south through an alley from the location. Van Nuys Area officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate anyone related to the collision.

On April 1, 2022, at 6:45 a.m., Van Nuys Area officers received a radio call of a male, not conscious or breathing, laying in front of an apartment complex near Victory Boulevard and Nobel Avenue. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the male pedestrian dead. He is described as male Hispanic, approximately 50-55 years old, matching the description of the male pedestrian from the night before involved in the collision.

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. The public is also reminded that as pedestrians, they should exercise caution when crossing streets, obey traffic lights, cross within marked crosswalks, and obey the rules of the road.

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 Officer Freeman at (818) 644-8115 or Detective Fuentes at (818) 644-8020. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.