Severe Felony Hit and Run NR19085ml

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Detectives are investigating a Severe Felony Hit and Run that occurred at Vernon Avenue and Compton Avenue.

On March 28, 2019, at approximately 5:20 a.m., a bicyclist was travelling eastbound on Vernon Avenue approaching Compton Avenue, when a 2017 Toyota Corolla, with CA License plate of 7ZAK929, rear ended the bicyclist, causing him to land on the street.

The driver of the Toyota fled the scene, failed to stop to render aid, and identify himself to the bicyclist. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported the bicyclist to a local hospital, with severe injuries, and was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

During the investigation, the Toyota was identified, and officers met with the registered owner. The registered owner cooperated with the officers and identified the driver of the vehicle as Jose Miguel Mendez Lopez, who is described as a Male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 170 lbs., and is approximately 35 years old.

Mr. Lopez called the registered owner, told her he was involved in an accident, and was hiding in an unknown location.

We are seeking the public’s help in reporting the whereabouts of Mr. Lopez, and we are also reaching out to Mr. Lopez to turn himself in to any Los Angeles Police Department Station or any local law enforcement station.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective-II Juan Campos (213)486-0755 or email 31480@LAPD.Online. 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 www.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.