Hit and Run Suspect Captured

July 19, 2001

 
San Pedro: On Thursday, July 19, 2001, at approximately 9:45 p.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred when a 1999 Infinity Q30 collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian was 21 year old Rebekah-Marie Bales Zask of Rancho Palos Verdes, who was walking southbound crossing 25th Street west of Mermaid Drive in San Pedro. She was struck by a vehicle apparently driving on the wrong side of the roadway at what witnesses described as an unsafe speed for conditions. Officers responded immediately and learned that Ms. Zask, who was transported to San Pedro Penninsula Hospital, died of massive injuries sustained during the collision. The vehicle that struck the victim and it’s driver was gone on officers’ arrival.
Officers conducted a follow-up investigation from the scene, using clues left behind in debris that was believed to have fallen off from the suspect’s vehicle. Subsequently, officers responded to the home of 52 year old Lynn Mary Woolever, also of Rancho Palos Verdes. Based on numerous interviews of witnesses and the suspect, Officers arrested Woolever for violation of Penal Code Section 187, murder. Family of Ms. Zask has been notified.
This investigation is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Division Detectives Pedroza and Henderson.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.