Fatal Traffic Collision NR19212jc

Fairfax: On Thursday, August 1, 2019, around 10:30 p.m., a fatal traffic collision occurred involving two vehicles and pedestrian. The name of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. The collision occurred when a 2018 Infinity Q60S that was traveling eastbound on Melrose Avenue and collided with a 2017 Acura MDX that was negotiating a left turn to Martel Avenue from westbound Melrose Avenue. As a result of the collision, the Acura continued in a southeast direction, ran off the road, and collided with a pedestrian that was standing on the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the intersection. The driver of the Infinity and Acura both remained at scene and provided statements to the police.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. The pedestrian sustained major blunt force trauma to his head. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.

The driver of the Infinity was identified as Jacob Gralitzer. He was arrested and booked for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while DUI.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. 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 CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts. The LAPD report number for this collision is DR#19-07-07890.