Hit-and-Run Driver Seriously Injures USC Student NR11526rf

November 9, 2011

Update
11-10-11

A photograph of the person of interest, Jose Rosa Arevalo Perez, is attached to this news release.

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Division detectives are looking for a driver who severely injured a USC student in a hit-and-run collision.

Yesterday about 6:40 p.m., a USC student driving a motorcycle was badly injured in a felony hit-and-run collision at the intersection of Vermont and Lexington Avenues. The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a burgundy, 1993 GMC Safari van with a California license plate number of 4MYH882.

The driver, who left the scene of the accident without identifying himself or rendering aid as required by law, is described as a 35- to 45-year-old Hispanic male about 5 feet 5 inches tall who weighs 170 to 190 pounds.  He was last seen in his van heading westbound on Lexington Avenue.

The 21-year-old student was rushed to a nearby hospital with numerous fractures.

Anyone with additional information about the incident or the suspect is urged to contact LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective Josephine Mapson at 213-972-1840. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.