Hit-and-Run Driver Can’t Outrun the Law NR23792mo/bb

Sunland: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Detectives announced the arrest of the Arvien Atakhanian for a traffic collision that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

On December 19, 2023, around 10:20 p.m., officers responded to the 10000 block of Sunland Boulevard. Witnesses described a grey 2023 Tesla Model 3 traveling southbound Sunland Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian crossing the street west of Sunland Way. The driver of the Tesla fled without stopping to render aid or identify themselves, as required by law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim, described as a male, White, in his early 40’s, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His name is being withheld pending identification and next-of-kin notification by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Valley Traffic Division detectives responded to the scene and conducted a follow-up investigation, resulting in the identification of the driver, 28-year-old Arvien Atakhanian, a resident of Glendale. Atakhanian was later arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail for 20001(A) VC-Felony Hit and Run, booking number 6729294.

Motorists 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.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at 818-644-8033 or Officer Garcia at (818) 644-8117. 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.