17 Year-Old Hit and Run Victim on Life Support

February 10, 2003

 
Los Angeles: On Monday, February 10, 2003, at approximately 7:50 a.m., an auto vs. pedestrian, hit and run traffic collision occurred on San Pedro Street and 110th Street in the Southeast Area.
The collision occurred when 17 year-old Joshua Cuellar of Los Angeles, attempted to cross eastbound San Pedro Street, at 110th Street in front of Locke High School. He was inside the marked crosswalk. Just prior to the collision, Joshua had been dropped off at the northwest corner of San Pedro Street and 110th Street by his mother, Maria Cuellar.
According to witnesses, Joshua was walking towards Locke High School inside the marked crosswalk when he was struck by a possible red Toyota 4-Runner SUV, which was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on San Pedro Street. The driver of the Toyota fled the scene, failing to identify himself, render aid, or call for emergency services. The Toyota was last seen traveling southbound on San Pedro Street before turning right on 111th Street towards Main Street.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported Joshua to Martin Luther King Medical Center. Joshua sustained severe head trauma, a broken left leg, and a broken left hand. Joshua was admitted in critical condition and remains on life support.
Witnesses to the collision were able to obtain a partial license plate number of the Toyota; California license plate # 1BK_ _ _ _ Ca. The Toyota is believed to have sustained damage to the front grill, headlamps, and hood.
Anyone with any information regarding this crime, including the location of the Toyota 4-Runner, or the identity of the driver, is urged to contact South Traffic Division Detectives at 323-290-6063, or the South Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-485-7336.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.