Hit and Run Driver Seriously Injures Two Children NR10011bb

January 8, 2010

UPDATE May 7, 2010

Despite media coverage that included video surveillance footage of the crime described below, identification and arrest of the person responsible has not occurred. Consequently, the Los Angeles City Council through the office of District 9 Councilwoman Jan Perry has granted a reward of $75,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. More than ever, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division (CTD) Detectives Jose De Leon or Josephine Mapson at 213-972-1845 or the CTD watch commander at 213972-1853. More contact information is below in the original release.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that seriously injured two girls.

On December 28, 2009, at about 5:59 p.m., a 14-year-old girl and her 3-year-old niece were crossing Main Street just north of 43rd Street when a two-door, white vehicle struck both pedestrians, throwing them about 40 feet. Both victims suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver continued driving north on Main Street, failing to stop and identify herself or provide aid to the injured victims.

The driver was described as a female with no further descriptors. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as an older two-door, white sedan with a stop lamp on the middle of the back window. It may also have collision damage to the right front headlamp or right front side-light cover.

Video of the crime and suspect’s vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras and is available at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information of this incident contact LAPD Central Traffic Division (CTD) Detectives Jose De Leon or Josephine Mapson at (213) 972-1845 or the CTD watch commander at (213) 972-1853. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.