Los Angeles: On Friday September 20, 2002, at approximately 7:35 p.m., 43 year-old Egbert Alpheus Mortis, a resident of Los Angeles, was driving a 1990 Ford Econoline passenger bus eastbound in the 1100 block on 42^nd Street at a very low speed, when he collided with three year old Georna Lewis who was attempting to cross 42^nd Street. Mortis, who was transporting passengers from a community meeting (Mothers Against Violent Crimes) held at 28^th Street and Central Avenue earlier in the evening, to their homes and had just dropped off passengers in the 1100 block of 42^nd Street.

According to witnesses, Mortis stopped immediately and rendered first aid. A short time later, Mortis and several bus passengers ran from the scene when an unidentified man brandished a handgun in the crowd of bystanders. Mortis, in fear for his safety, ran to a nearby home, borrowed a bike and went to his place of business, "A Place Called Home" located at 2830 South Central Avenue. Mortis notified his boss and called the police to report the incident.

Mortis was not suspected of being under the influence of an intoxicant.

This investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Central Traffic Division. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Central Traffic detectives at 213-485-3122. On weekends and during holidays, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.