Fatal Hit and Run NR18044ti

February 8, 2018

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision that killed 30-year-old Monica Zuniga, a resident of Los Angeles.

On February 7, 2018, around 4:50 a.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred on Huntington Drive just west of Eastern Avenue in Hollenbeck Area. Zuniga was attempting to cross Huntington Drive just west of Eastern Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound in the number two lane of Eastern Avenue. Zuniga suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries and was transported to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center by paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.

The hit and run driver fled the scene westbound on Huntington Drive. The vehicle is described as a 2000-2005 Volkswagen Rabbit, dark in color. The vehicle likely has damage to the front end and front windshield.

In an effort to locate the driver, Central Traffic Division personnel will be conducting an Educational Check Point on Huntington Drive just east of Eastern Avenue. The Check Point will be conducted on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective Felix Padilla at (213) 486-0753. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit ww.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.