Motorcyclist Killed in a Hit and Run in Chatsworth NR12114cj

March 11, 2012

Chatsworth:  On Saturday, March 10, 2012 around 12:55 p.m., LAPD Valley Traffic officers responded to a traffic collision on De Soto Avenue and Nordhoff Street.  When they arrived they found an unresponsive man on the ground near a downed motorcycle.  LAFD Rescue personnel responded and pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Valley Traffic investigators believe a car, described as a white 1999-2000 Ford F250/350 pick-up truck, was traveling northbound on De Soto Avenue and negotiated a left hand turn at Nordhoff Street.  The truck collided with a man on a motorcycle traveling southbound De Soto Avenue.   The driver of the truck drove away from the scene failing to render aid or provide identification.  He is described as a male Hispanic, in his 30’s, with a light complexion and a mustache.

The motorcyclist is a 25 year old resident of Porter Ranch.  His identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Martinez at 818-644-8032.  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 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) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.