On Sunday, February 27, 2005, at about 5:00 a.m., a serious hit and run traffic collision occurred at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Arlington Avenue. A red 1986 Honda Prelude, travelling westbound Martin Luther King Boulevard, veered into the eastbound lanes. The car struck a man resting on a bus bench near the southwest corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Arlington Avenue. The car continued westbound on the sidewalk and collided with a tree, a lamp standard and a business building. Witnesses saw the driver leave the scene.

The man on the bench suffered broken bones throughout his lower extremities and is listed in critical condition at a local hospital. He was not otherwise identified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6063.

On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.