Man Sleeping Inside a Vehicle Dies after Hit and Run NR18314ne

Pacoima: On December 9, 2018, around 3:20 a.m., a 2000 Chevrolet truck was traveling eastbound Branford Street, just east of Telfair Avenue, when it collided with several parked vehicles, including a Ford Mustang that was parked at the south curb of Branford Street. The collision killed a man who was sleeping in the parked Mustang.

The driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene on foot, without identifying himself or rendering aid. Valley Traffic Division conducted an extensive investigation throughout the day, resulting in the identification and arrest of 35-year-old, resident of Pacoima, Reinaldo Vasquez Jr. for felony hit and run. The public is reminded that anytime they are involved in a traffic collision they must stop as soon as it is safe to do so, render aid to injured parties and identify themselves.

The name of the deceased individual will not be released until next-of-kin have been notified. The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation.

The City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund in April 2015. A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members who 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 Detective Avila at (818) 644-8034 or Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8022. 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 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.