Gas Station Attendant Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Collision NR11375gb

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a driver who critically injured a gas station attendant in Van Nuys.

On Friday, August 12, 2011, around 11 p.m., a verbal dispute apparently ensued between a gas station attendant and a customer at the cashier window of the Arco Gas Station located in the 15700 block of Victory Blvd.  The gas station attendant, 51-year-old Jorge Grimaldi of Panorama City, stood in front of the customer’s car and attempted to stop the customer from leaving.  The customer drove his car forward and then drove through residential streets for almost a half- mile with Grimaldi hanging on to the hood of the vehicle.  He eventually fell off and collided with the roadway.  The driver of the vehicle immediately left the scene without rendering aid or identifying himself/herself as required by law.

Grimaldi suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.  The hit-and-run driver and vehicle remain outstanding.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Martinez at 818-644-8032 or Officer Ward at 818-644-8114.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.