Two Suspects Arrested in the Death of 17-Year-Old Cyclist NR11367gb

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives have arrested two suspects in a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision that killed a bicyclist in April 20, 2011.

The primary suspect, 23-year-old Dominique Rush, was arrested early this morning in Oxnard, California.  Rush was booked at Van Nuys Police Station for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and Felony Hit and Run with a bail of $100,000.00.                 

Rush’s father, 44-year-old Steven Rush, was also arrested this morning, in his Porter Ranch home.  Steven Rush faces charges relating to his involvement in helping Dominique conceal the crime after the fact.  His bail is set at $20,000.00.

The victim, German Alex Romero was a senior at Chatsworth High School and was scheduled to  
graduate in June of this year.  Two months before his graduation, on April 20, 2011, at 9:00 p.m., Romero and his friend were riding their bicycles northbound on De Soto Avenue in the far right lane just north of Valerio Street.  Romero was struck and killed by a 2003 Toyota Corolla driven by Dominique Rush.  Romero’s friend was not injured.

As a result of community leads and the assistance from the media, Valley Traffic detectives were able to work this case from minimum leads and culminating with the two arrests made today.  

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call LAPD Valley Traffic Division Detective Bustos at 818-644-8201.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.