Pedestrian Struck and Killed by a Hit and Run Driver NR25023rc

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a male pedestrian.

On December 28, 2024, around 12:40 a.m., a four-door white sedan was traveling northbound on Vermont Avenue and collided with a pedestrian at 165th Place. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, identify themselves, or attempt to render aid as required by law. The vehicle was last seen going northbound on Vermont Avenue from 165th Place.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The victim was identified as 70-year-old Thomas Michael Cavanaugh, a Los Angeles resident and a US Military Veteran.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

The public is also reminded that as pedestrians, they should exercise caution when crossing streets, obey traffic lights, cross within marked crosswalks, and obey the rules of the road.

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 that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact South Traffic Division Officer Hurd at 213-321-9681. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.