California Injury Blog
LAPD officials are seeking information about a man in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a woman severely injured in Boyle Heights. According to a KTLA news report, the major injury collision occurred the evening of Dec. 19 as a couple was crossing the street at the intersection of Soto Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. The driver of a white pickup truck was westbound on Cesar E. Chavez and turned left onto Soto Street crashing into the woman and knocking her onto the street. The driver did not stop and continued south on Soto, police said.
Ongoing Investigation and Reward
The woman was transported to a hospital with severe injuries. She remained in the hospital for three days, but is now recovering at home, officials said. Detectives later found surveillance video of the driver filling up his truck with gasoline prior to the crash. The truck is described as a white 1998 to 2004 Chevrolet S10. It has an aftermarket light bar on top of the cab, smoked rear-light lenses and a distinct dent on the rear top corner of the driver’s side of the cab, police said.
The video also shows the cab filled with several items. Officials describe the driver as a 20- to 30-year-old man about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds. He has black hair, a goatee and was wearing a royal blue short sleeve security uniform with a camouflage long-sleeve shirt underneath and black pants.
Police have shared this surveillance video of the suspect driver and vehicle along with the photo of the injured pedestrian. Officials are offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information about the driver that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual. Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD at 213-833-3713 or 31480@lapd.online.
Justice for Victims
It is illegal under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash. Motorists are required to stop immediately after the crash, remain at the scene until officials arrive, exchange information with other parties and most importantly render aid to the injured victim.
Those who have been seriously injured in hit-and-run collisions are often faced with significant medical expenses, loss of wages and other unforeseen expenses. They also face emotional issues because oftentimes, the hit-and-run driver has not been identified, apprehended or held accountable. Injured victims and families of deceased hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights are being protected.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-sought-in-boyle-heights-hit-and-run-crash-that-left-woman-severely-injured/