Severe Felony Hit and Run NR20208wc

Los Angeles: Detectives
from the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Division are
asking for the public’s help in identifying felony hit and run
suspects.

On August 14, 2020 around 7:40 p.m., the victim later identified
as, James Stokes, was crossing southbound on Vernon Avenue at
Harvard Boulevard. Stokes was struck by a black Honda Civic
traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the black Honda
Civic fled the scene eastbound on Vernon Avenue without identifying
themselves or rendering aid as required by law.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported
the victim to a local hospital in critical condition.

A community member who witnessed the collision followed the
suspect(s) and observed them stop near Normandie Avenue. A female
Black wearing a red top and shorts, exited the right front
passenger seat holding an open bottle of alcohol. The witness
confronted the suspect(s) and attempted to get them to return to
the scene. The female passenger told the witness they were going
to return to the scene of the collision but then reentered the
suspect’s vehicle and fled.

The suspect vehicle is a black Honda Civic with damage to the
front windshield and hood. The vehicle has a partial license
plate ending in “394.”

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision,
they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so,
notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify
themselves.

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.

For more information concerning the incident, please contact South
Traffic Division, Detective Moreno No. 32013, 213-822-6005 or
323-421-2500, email: 32013@lapd.online Report/Case# (DR2012-18545)
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours
please contact South Traffic Division’s Watch Commander at
323-421-2577. 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. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile
application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their
local program.