Multiple Felony Hit and Run Traffic Collisions

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 30, 1999
MULTIPLE FELONY HIT AND RUN TRAFFIC COLLISIONS

On Sunday, August 29, 1999, at approximately 6:00 p.m. a serious injury traffic collision occurred at Jefferson Boulevard and Maple Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. Mr. Isaias Nova was driving a 1988 Mercury Tracer eastbound on Jefferson Boulevard when he failed to stop for the red phase of a tri-light traffic signal and collided with a 2 ½ year old male Hispanic and his 33 year old mother, Emila De Leon, as they walked southbound in the crosswalk. This collision caused the child to be dragged in an eastbound direction fracturing both of his legs and his left arm and causing minor injuries to his mother.

Nova fled from the scene of this collision and continued in an eastbound direction where he again failed to stop for the red phase of a tri-light traffic signal and collided with Vicenta Medel, a 22 year old female Hispanic as she walked southbound in a marked crosswalk. This collision caused Medel to be launched in a southeast direction and collide with the roadway, sustaining a fractured pelvis, right knee and left ankle.

Nova again failed to stop and continued to drive in a southeast direction were he ran off the roadway at the corner of 49th and Wall Streets and collided with a fire hydrant and fence. Nova still failing to stop, fled from the scene of this collision.

Nova was again involved in another traffic collision at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard where he collided with the rear end of a 1987 Chevy Caviler stopped for the red light. This collision caused the 1987 Chevy to travel in a southbound direction and collide with a 1989 Toyota GT-5 that was stopped in front of the Chevy. Witnesses following the hit and run driver pulled their vehicle behind his preventing his escape. Witnesses detained Nova until the Police responded and took him into custody. Nova was arrested for 23153(a) V.C., Felony DUI and booked at Parker Center.

All injured victims were transported to USCMC Hospital where they received medical treatment by the emergency medical staff.

Further questions regarding this case can be forwarded to Detective Kaden, Central Traffic Division between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 213-485-3111, or during off hours, Central Traffic Division’s Watch Commander at 213-485-3122.

For Release 12:30 pm PDT
August 30, 1999