Pedestrian Dies from Hit and Run Collision NR17048aj

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department South Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision that fatally injured a pedestrian.

On Sunday, February 5, 2017, around 2:20 a.m., a vehicle traveling south on Western Avenue collided with a male pedestrian, who was later identified as Abraham Garcia. Mr. Garcia was crossing westbound Western Avenue at 59th Street in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck. The driver of the vehicle, possibly a dark colored BMW, failed to remain at the scene, identify himself, and render assistance. The vehicle then fled southbound Western Ave.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and transported Mr. Garcia to a local hospital, in serious condition.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, Mr. Garcia succumbed to his injuries as a result of the accident.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 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 regarding the incident is asked to contact South Traffic Division Detective Flannery at 323-421-2500. 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit ww.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 LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.