What:
The Los Angeles Police Department, South Traffic Division, will hold a press conference to announce a $25,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a fatal Hit-and-Run suspect.

When:
Thursday, May 9, 2002, at 10:00 A.M.

Where:
South Traffic Division Community Room, Baldwin Hills Mall, 4125 South Crenshaw Boulevard.

Los Angeles: On Saturday, February 23, 2002, at approximately 1:40 a.m., a fatal Hit-and-Run traffic collision occurred on 54th Street just east of Hillcrest Drive.

The collision occurred when a red 1992-1996 Lexus SE300 or SE400, struck the victim, Rena Fields, 39 years of age, as she stood outside of her rented 2002 Dodge Neon, which was parked along the south curb of 54th Street. The victim was removing helium balloons from the rear cargo area of the Neon when she was struck from behind. The victim's boyfriend was also standing outside of the Neon, but he was not struck or injured.

The investigation revealed that the Lexus was traveling eastbound on 54th Street from Hillcrest Drive when it struck the rear of the Dodge Neon. The impact caused the Neon to spin around, throwing the victim's body into the roadway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by responding LAFD paramedics.

The driver of the Lexus, described as a male Black, sped away from the scene, leaving a trail of debris from the scene of the collision that indicated that the suspect left eastbound on 54th Street, then south on Crenshaw Boulevard and east on 57th Street. The trail, however, was lost at 11th Avenue. A search of the area by ground units and an air unit failed to locate the Lexus.

Detectives from South Traffic Division will be conducting the press conference to ask for the public's help for information and to offer the $25,000.00 reward. Family members of the victim will be present at the press conference. Photographs of the type of vehicle being sought will be on display.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the Lexus, or the identity of the driver, is urged to contact South Traffic Division at 213-485-7336. The after hours telephone number to contact is 1-877-LAWFULL.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relation Section, 213-485-3586.