What:
Press Conference

When:
Thursday, January 10, 2002, at 10:00 a.m.

Where:
South Traffic Division
4125 South Crenshaw Boulevard, LA (Baldwin Hills Mall)

Los Angeles: On Friday October 19, 2001, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred on Alsace Avenue and Adams Boulevard in the Southwest Area of Los Angeles.

The collision occurred after the victim, three-year-old Crystal Gaeta of Los Angeles, accidentally walked out into the intersection. Crystal was struck by a gray or silver pick-up truck, which was travelling southbound on Alsace Avenue.

According to a witness, the truck stopped momentarily before fleeing the location. In doing so, the driver failed to identify himself, render first aid, or call for emergency medical assistance. Although paramedics responded to the scene and administered emergency medical treatment, Crystal succumbed to her injuries while enroute to the hospital.

Witnesses described the truck as being as a late model "1500" extended cab with a possible roll-bar, which was last observed travelling eastbound on Adams Boulevard from Alsace Avenue. However, the witnesses were unable to identify the truck’s make or obtain a license plate number.

The conference is being held to announce the City’s offer of a $25,000.00 reward for information, which leads to arrest and conviction of the hit and run driver. Present at the conference will be the investigating detective, and the victim’s family members.

Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Scott Sherman, South Traffic Detectives at 323-290-6064 during business hours. 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 media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.