Los Angeles - On Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at approximately 6:30 A.M., a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Hill Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Jacobo Rodriquez, a 45-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was driving a 1984 blue Chevy Chevette southbound on Hill Street when he collided with a 2001 Black Honda CRV Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that was eastbound on 6^th Street. An unknown number of unidentified male passengers in the Honda left the scene on foot eastbound on 6^th Street. The driver of the Honda fled the scene in the vehicle and abandoned it a few blocks from the collision scene.

Miriam Alvarado, a 38-year-old passenger in the Chevette, and the wife of Mr. Rodriguez, died at the scene as a result of injuries she sustained in the collision. Mr. Rodriguez sustained serious head injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Mr. Rodriguez was admitted into the hospital and is expected to live.

This investigation is being handled by Central Traffic Division Detectives, and is ongoing. Please contact Detectives Cortez or Padilla at 213-485-3111 with any information regarding the whereabouts of the hit and run driver, and, or the passengers.

This press release was prepared by Officer Hayley Purece, Media Relations, 213-485-3586.