Felony Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought NR10281gb

May 27, 2010

                                            UPDATE
May 28, 2010

Yesterday, a morning news conference announced rewards totaling $35,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and-run suspect connected with the incident below. Shortly after the news conference, detectives received a tip, conducted a follow-up investigation and arrested 74-year-old Los Angeles resident Michael Goldman without incident at a West Hollywood Pavilions market.  Goldman was booked for felony hit-and-run charges, and his car was also taken into custody.  He was later released after posting $50,000 bail.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the driver and the car involved in a hit-and-run collision in which a pedestrian was struck in the LAPD’s Wilshire area.
 
On May 19, 2010, at 10:40 p.m., 22-year-old Benjamin Zelman was walking across La Cienega Boulevard north of Melrose Place when an older-model yellow Volkswagen Beetle struck him.   The driver of the Volkswagen did not stop to provide identification or render aid to the victim. Zelman sustained major traumatic injuries to his head and is currently in critical condition.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as possibly a 1974 to 1976 Volkswagen beetle with a black convertible top, and it may have damage to the driver’s side fender.  At this time, there is no information about the suspect.
 
Anyone with information about this traffic accident is urged to call West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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.