Announce the Arrest of Fatal Hit and Run Suspect NA19117ti

August 27, 2019

WHAT: Press Conference.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 2019 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Valley Traffic Division 7870 Nollan Place Panorama City, Ca 91402

WHO: LAPD Commander Beverly Lewis, Traffic Group LAPD Captain Andrew Neiman, Valley Traffic Division LAPD Detective Lisset Fuentes, Valley Traffic Division LAPD Detective Nicolas Sinclair, Valley Traffic Division LAPD Detective Christine Moselle, Valley Traffic Division Haydee Santamaria Rodriguez, Victim’s family member

WHY: On June 16, 2019, around 5:35 a.m., a white 2016 Lexus IS200 driven by suspect Maritza Lara was traveling northbound Haskell Ave at a high rate of speed. Lara ran a red light at Haskell Ave and Parthenia St and collided with the driver side of a blue 2005 Nissan Murano, traveling westbound Parthenia Street. The driver of the Nissan Murano was pronounced dead at the scene and passengers of the Lexus were transported to local hospitals with severe injuries.

Maritza Lara, exited the white Lexus and fled the scene on foot, failing to render aid to injured parties. Maritza Lara fled the country and was subsequently located and taken into custody in Mexico with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department U.S. Marshalls Task Force, Marshalls and Immigration authorities in Mexico. Lara was turned over by the US Marshalls upon her arrival at LAX and was arrested on her outstanding warrants related to the fatal collision.

CONTACT: For additional information, please contact Detective Lisset Fuentes, Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8021.