Los Angeles -- On Friday, January 19, 2001, at 10:00 a.m., Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department, Central Traffic Division will hold a press conference to request the public's assistance in locating a felony Hit-and Run suspect. The Press conference will be held in front of Parker Center, 150 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles.

The collision occurred on Sunday, January 7, 2001, at approximately midnight, when Sergio Hernandez, driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe eastbound on 3^rd Street approaching Union Place, observed a blue 1991 Ford LTD fail to yield for a stop sign at Union Place. The Ford LTD proceeded directly into the middle of the intersection and in front of Hernandez, who was unable to avoid crashing into the left front side of the LTD.

The impact of the collision caused the Chevy Tahoe to crash into a fire hydrant and a light standard. Unfortunately, one of the passengers of the vehicle, 16 year-old Mercy DeLaCruz sustained massive blunt force trauma to the chest and was partially ejected from the car. She was transported to USCMC Hospital where she died a s a result of her injuries.

The driver of the Ford LTD sped off and made no attempt to identify himself or render aid to the injured passengers of Hernandez's vehicle, in violation of California's Vehicle Code 20001(a), Felony Hit-and Run.

The investigation revealed the 1991 Ford LTD is registered to Abraham Eliseo Ramon, a 39 year-old resident of the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Mr. Ramon is described as a male, Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5'2" tall and weighing approximately 150lbs. All attempts to locate and contact Mr. Ramon have been fruitless. Mr. Ramon is a suspect and is wanted for questioning in connection with this case. A photograph of Mr. Ramon will provided to the media at the Press Conference.

Detective Michael Kaden, Central Traffic Division, is conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this incident is urged to contact Detective Kaden at 213-485-3111 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213- 485-3122.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.