Los Angeles - On Sunday, January 20, 2001, at approximately 4:25 p.m., a hit and run felony traffic collision occurred at 2200 East 112th Street in the City of Los Angeles. The vehicle was described as a Blue 1988 Mercury Tracer, 4-door hatchback, license 4JCR311 and was traveling westbound on 112th Street. The vehicle collided into a six-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the street in the mid-block.

The impact between the six-year-old boy and the hit and run vehicle caused the boy to be dragged approximately 75 feet where he was dislodged and abandoned in the middle of the street. The driver failed to stop and identify himself or render any assistance, in violation of 20001(a) of the Vehicle Code. The little boy was transported by Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics to Martin Luther King Hospital and is listed in critical condition with internal injuries and numerous fractured bones.

The hit and run vehicle was later located by the police, parked in a private driveway at a residence adjacent to where the collision occurred. It was impounded pending additional investigation. The driver was subsequently identified as Oscar Garcia Lopez, male Hispanic, 5'7", 165 lbs., DOB 2-17-1976.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect should contact Detective M. Pedroza or Detective C. White of South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6063. During off-hours, contact the South Traffic Division watch commander at 213-485-7336.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586