Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Hit and Run Driver NR12513ne

Los Angeles:  On Sunday, November 11, 2012, at around 5:a.m., a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic accident occurred in the 8100 block of Lankershim Boulevard in the city of North Hollywood.  A black GMC S15 pick-up truck travelling south on Lankershim struck a pedestrian, and fled the scene.

A witness called the police and Los Angeles Fire Department. Personnel responded to find a 72 year-old male lying in the street.  He sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment where he was pronounced dead.

A 21-year-old male Hispanic was transported to a local hospital two hours later due to a separate unrelated traffic collision occurring on the I-5 freeway.  Property possibly belonging to the 72-year-old male was in the possession of the 21-year-old.  Further investigation revealed that the 21-year-old was involved in the fatal hit and run prior to the freeway accident.  He is currently receiving medical treatment and will be booked upon release for suspicion of 20001 VC (felony hit and run).

The investigation is continuing and Valley Traffic detectives are searching for witnesses who may have seen the collision or assisted with changing a flat tire in the area of Lankershim and Sherman Way.

Please contact Detective Krajchir, Valley Traffic Detectives 818-644-8034 or Detective Laurino, Valley Traffic Detectives 818-644-8115, or Detective Bustos, Valley Traffic Detectives 818-644-8021.  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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”