Los Angeles: On Sunday, August 11, 2002, at approximately 9:10 p.m., a fatal, hit and run traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Dalton Street in the 77^th Street Area of Los Angeles.

The collision occurred when 53 year-old Los Angeles resident Pedro Arias, attempted to cross Florence Avenue at Dalton Street diagonally from the northeast curb to a liquor store located at the southwest corner. Walking outside of the unmarked crosswalk, Arias entered the eastbound number one lane of Florence Avenue when he was struck by an unknown red SUV type vehicle traveling eastbound. The impact threw Arias down onto the roadway, but the red SUV continued traveling eastbound. The driver of the red SUV failed to stop, render aid, or call for emergency medical services.

As Arias lay in the roadway, a 1994 Ford Explorer traveling eastbound on Florence in the number one lane behind the unknown red SUV, struck the downed Arias. After the collision, the driver of the Explorer immediately stopped her vehicle and called for emergency services by utilizing her cell phone.

Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Arias to Daniel Freeman Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Arias sustained major head and body trauma from both collisions, and failed to respond to emergency medical treatment. Arias was pronounced dead at 9:38 p.m.

Although witnesses to the collision, including Arias’ own son were unable to provide the investigating officers with any information regarding the license number, make or model of the hit and run vehicle, the impact did cause one of its side view mirrors to fall off. The mirror, which contained possible serial numbers, was recovered and booked as evidence.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Padilla at South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6063 or the South traffic Watch Commander at 213-485-7336. On weekends and during off-hours, call a 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media relations Section, 213-485-3586.