Los Angeles: On Monday, May 26, 2003, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a fatal traffic collision occurred in the 800 block of South Hill Street.

Moments prior to the fatal collision, a white 1989 Mazda driven by a male Black in his mid to late 20’s was fleeing from a hit and run traffic collision which occurred on the 5 Freeway in the downtown Los Angeles area. The Mazda had collided with the right side of a California Patrol Services vehicle, driven by a male employee. Immediately following the collision, the driver of the Mazda exited the 5 freeway at Broadway failing to identify himself to the other driver.

The driver of the Mazda continued to the area of 8^th and Hill Street and collided into a building at that location. The driver of the Mazda was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. The 23 year-old male Black passenger (whose identity is being withheld pending notification of his family) was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. The driver from the California Patrol Services vehicle did not complain of injuries at the time of the collision however, a female passenger in his vehicle complained of pain to her right side.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the same Mazda was wanted in connection with another hit and run collision that occurred in the Southwest Area of Los Angeles on April 3, 2003.

This is an on-going investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Central Traffic Detectives at 213-485-3111. On weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer, Grace Brady, Media Relations Sections, 213-485-3586.