Los Angeles: On Sunday, February 9, 2003 at approximately 3:00 a.m., a traffic collision, occurred during an illegal street race between two vehicles, resulting in the death of a 22 year-old male Hispanic, Jose A. Valladares.

According to a witness, Vallardares was illegally racing his 2000 Acura Integra with an unidentified Chevrolet, traveling northbound on Western Avenue near 3^rd Street. During the high-speed race, Valladares lost control of his vehicle, struck a tree and was killed on impact. The other driver did not remain at the scene and fled in an unknown direction.

West Traffic Division Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call (213) 473-0227 during normal business hours. On weekends and during off-hours the 24-hours, please call toll free number at the Detectives 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.