Hit and Run Suspect Taken into Custody NR12112ne

March 7, 2012

Los Angeles: The hit and run suspect who hit and caused serious injuries to a 50-year-old woman as she slept in her tent on the sidewalk Sunday morning has been arrested.

On March, 4, 2012, at around 2:15 a.m., a driver, (later identified as 43-year-old Arturo Betanzos of Los Angeles), hit a pedestrian sleeping in her tent on Towne Avenue between 4th Street and 5th Street. The victim is a 50-year-old woman from Los Angeles who sustained serious injuries from the collision.

Betanzos was driving a black, 1997 Pontiac Grand AM. He failed to stop and render aid to the victim and identify himself as required by law.

On March 7, 2012, at around 7:00 a.m., Betanzos was taken into custody in the 2800 block of Avenue 33 in Los Angeles. He was booked for Felony Hit and Run and is being held on $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Central Traffic Detectives, Detective Josephine Mapson or Detective Felix Padilla at (213) 972-1840. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.