Tag: hit and run

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect has been arrested for a hit-and-run incident that injured a Traffic Services Officer.

The SMPD reported on January 13 at about 6:45 a.m. officers responded to the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue in response to a call of a hit-and-run of a department employee. Northbound California toward Pacific Coast Highway is closed to vehicular traffic and only accessible by emergency vehicles.

According to witnesses, two National Guard vehicles were traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Ocean Avenue heading down California Ave toward Pacific Coast Highway. Witnesses saw a dark green Toyota Highlander follow the National Guard vehicles on the wrong side of the road and attempt to gain access to evacuation areas in violation of the shutdown.

A SMPD Traffic Services Officer (TSO) approached the Toyota and signaled it needed to stop. The TSO approached the vehicle and attempted to explain to the driver he was not authorized to pass through the checkpoint. The driver of the vehicle did not follow the order and instead continued through the barrier, driving over the TSO’s foot as he left.

Officers monitoring the broadcast of the vehicle description utilized the department’s network of Flock cameras to locate the vehicle in the 2200 Block of Pico Boulevard. The officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and confirmed through statements from the passenger it was the striking vehicle in the hit-and-run. The driver was identified as Walter William Larkins IV, 37.

Larkins, of Malibu, was arrested for Felony Hit and Run (hit-and-run resulting in injury to a person) and several additional violations of vehicle code. The TSO was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for a soft tissue injury.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with details related to the incident are asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov, our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, December 27, Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect involved in a fatal hit-and-run has been arrested.

On December 22, the SMPD reported that at approximately 6:40 p.m., officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue. The victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Wilshire.

The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4, was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The name of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to begin their investigation and located video footage of the suspect and vehicle. In the course of their thorough and diligent work on this case, the Traffic Investigations Unit identified the driver as Rod Sharif, 30, of Los Angeles.

On December 27, SMPD’s Traffic Unit, along with SWAT and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, served search and arrest warrants for Sharif and his residence in Santa Monica Canyon.

Several items of evidence were recovered from the home along with the white Toyota Rav4 that had significant front-end damage that appeared to have been caused during the accident.

Sharif was arrested and booked for 187(a) PC – Murder and 20001(a) VC – Felony Hit and Run. Sharif has prior arrests for 23152(a) VC – Driving Under the Influence, and 23103 VC – Reckless Driving.

Anyone who has details related to this incident or the individual is asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov , our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that they are searching for the hit-and-run driver responsible for killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run.

The incident was reported on Sunday, December 22 at 6:40 p.m., when officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue. The victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Wilshire.

The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4 (photo above), was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.

SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to start their investigation. Investigators have located video footage of the suspect and vehicle and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual.

Anyone with details related to this incident is asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov , our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Monday, November 25, the Los Angeles Police Department reported they are investigating a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s West 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 41-year-old man.

The LAPD reported on August 14 around 3:40 p.m., a pedestrian, was walking eastbound, crossing vehicle traffic lanes on Highland Avenue, south of Camrose Drive. Witnesses stated the pedestrian was struck by multiple vehicles.

The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department where he later died from injuries sustained. The next of kin have been notified. The pedestrian was a resident of North Hollywood.

Motorists 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 pedestrians must obey all traffic laws and cross the street when it is safe to do so.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angeles 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 details about the collision is asked to contact West Traffic Division Detective II Holmes at (213) 473-0238. 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.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, November 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect involved in a carjacking and hit-and-run has been arrested.

At approximately 7:06 p.m., the BHPD received a 911 call reporting a carjacking in the 400 block of North Bedford Drive. The victim stated that an unknown male suspect used force to steal her vehicle, a black BMW X3, before fleeing the area.

The BHPD Communications received a second 911 call regarding a vehicle-versus-pedestrian traffic accident. During the initial information gathering, it was discovered that the driver of the involved stolen vehicle lost control and crashed near Wilshire Boulevard and Camden Drive. The driver fled the scene on foot, leaving behind multiple injured victims.

Officers assigned to a nearby City event quickly detained the suspect in the 200 block of South Beverly Drive.

The traffic accident victims included two male adults, one female adult, and one male juvenile. The Beverly Hills Fire Department transported all victims to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.

Taken into police custody was James Portul, 22, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was booked on PC 215 – Carjacking and VC280001(A) – Hit and Run with injury.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Friday, November 8, the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) reported that West Traffic Division detectives are investigating a hit-and-run collision that killed a 48-year-old man.

The LAPD reported on November 7, around 9:55 p.m., the victim was walking northbound across Franklin Avenue outside of a marked crosswalk just east of Van Ness Avenue. A vehicle driven by the suspect was traveling westbound on Franklin Avenue and collided with the victim, causing the victim to also collide with the roadway. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, failing to stop and render aid as required by law.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. His name has not yet been disclosed to the public.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angles 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.

Motorists 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. Motorcyclists are also reminded to obey the rules of the road and ride at a safe speed.

Anyone with details about the hit-and-run collision is asked to contact LAPD West Traffic Detectives at 213-473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 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.

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—On Friday, August 9, the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect responsible for a severe hit-and-run traffic collision.

The LAPD reported on August 3 around 1 a.m., a white Acura 4-door sedan traveling northbound on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, north of Parthenia Street, sideswiped a gray 2022 BMW sedan, causing the driver of the BMW to lose control and collide with a pole.
The white Acura fled the scene without stopping to identify themselves or to render aid to the other driver. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the driver of the gray BMW to a local hospital with severe injuries.

A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed or have details regarding this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Investigator Reyes at (818) 644-8114 or Santos at (818) 644-8024. 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.

By Trevor

STUDIO CITY—On Sunday, March 10, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that they are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead.

Valley Traffic Detectives indicated on February 7, around 6 p.m., a red sedan was traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard near Fruitland Drive, when it collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the street west of Fruitland Drive. The driver of the sedan fled traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard, failing to stop, identify themselves, or attempt to render aid to the pedestrian, as required by law.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The pedestrian was described as a White female in her 30s. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.

LAPD Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating and seeking the public’s help in locating the driver of the vehicle. If you were driving in the area of Ventura Boulevard and Fruitland Drive around 6 p.m., on February 7 or witnessed the collision they should contact Valley Traffic Detectives.

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 informed 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 Los Angeles 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 details about the accident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Reyes at (818) 644-8114 or Detective Ortega at (818) 644-8035. 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.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a vehicle and an individual on a scooter on Sunday, October 29. The LAPD reported at 2:25 a.m., a black sedan, traveling northbound Western Avenue in the #1 lane, collided into a male riding a “Lime” scooter, crossing Western Avenue eastbound, north of Sierra Vista Avenue.

The rider was ejected from the “Lime” scooter and fell on the roadway. The black sedan fled northbound Western Avenue, without rendering aid to the victim.

The driver of a silver Lexus, traveling southbound Western Avenue in the #2 lane, and collided with the “Lime” scooter as well. The driver of the Lexus observed the male in the roadway, called 911, and remained at-scene.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the victim. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he later died from injuries sustained. The victim’s identity is being withheld, pending next-of-kin notification.

The LAPD is reminding motorists to stop if involved in a traffic collision and notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

On April 15, 2015, the Los Angeles 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 details about this collision is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877- LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—West Traffic detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a pedestrian on Sunday, September 24.

The LAPD reported around 1:24 a.m., a 2022-2023 blue Chevrolet Corvette, traveling southbound on La Brea Avenue, possibly racing a white sedan, crashed into a male pedestrian at the intersection of La Brea Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and provided aid to the victim, who later died at the scene. The name of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

The driver of the Chevrolet Corvette fled the scene without identifying themselves and/or providing aid. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, but it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were involved. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with details about the incident is asked to contact West Traffic Detectives at (213) 473-0234. 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 CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact CrimeStoppers 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.”

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—A suspect has been arrested connected to a hit-and-run that occurred on Wednesday, September 20, the Santa Monica Police Department announced. Authorities reported at approximately 11:20 pm, officers spotted a vehicle run a red light near the 700 block of Montana Avenue. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield to officers and committed additional traffic violations while driving recklessly for several blocks before colliding with a vehicle at 7th and Wilshire Boulevard.

The driver did not stop after the collision, continuing to drive down the Pier ramp and into the Newcomb Lot. The vehicle pursuit terminated when the driver was boxed in near the Carousel building on the Pier.

The driver, later identified as Nehemias Rivera-Menjivar, 21, from Wilmington, CA, exited the stopped vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot. An officer deployed a taser which did not halt Rivera-Menjivar. After repeated demands, Riveria-Menjivar was taken into custody without further incident.

During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the vehicle driven by Rivera-Menjivar was stolen from an address in Long Beach. The driver admitted to using marijuana.

Riveria-Menjivar was booked for multiple violations including: 20001(a) CVC – Felony Hit and Run; 23104(a) CVC – Reckless Driving; 2800.2(a) CVC – Felony Evading Police; 23153 (f) CVC- Felony DUI (Marijuana); and 148(a)(1) PC – Resisting and Obstructing Arrest

Anyone with details is asked to contact Sergeant Krueger at nick.krueger@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

MALIBU—TMZ reported that actor Gary Busey was alleged to be involved in a hit-and-run incident that transpired on Pacific Coast Highway last week. Video was obtained by the media outlet of a woman who indicated Busey rear-ended her vehicle in a shopping parking lot and fled the scene.

The woman followed Busey recording him as she attempted to get his attention to note he collided into her vehicle and fled the scene. Video depicts Busey pulling into a restaurant parking lot where the woman confronted Busey who refused to provide his information, but stated his insurance was Progressive, and he responded, “I’m private.” Before he drives off.

Busey has been acting since 1974 after his debut in the flick “Thunderbold and Lightfoot” directed by Michael Cimino. He was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Buddy Holly in the film “The Buddy Holly Story. Other films the actor has starred in include, “Silver Bullet,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Predator 2,” “The Firm,” and “Under Siege” to name a few.

He has made appearances on reality TV with bits on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Busey was injured in a motorcycle accident in December 1988 where he fractured his skull and suffered permanent brain damage after not wearing a helmet. In 1997, he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor form his sinus cavity.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu Station is currently investigating the hit-and-run incident. Busey has not commented on the incident since it was first reported.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information about a driver who struck three pedestrians in a crosswalk on Sunday, May 7. Three people were transported to the hospital, two sustaining minor injuries.

The incident occurred at 2:59 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and North San Vicente Boulevard following an altercation between the driver and a man in the crosswalk.

Dashcam footage submitted to FOX 11 News by a witness, Anton Strubchevskyi, shows a man in the crosswalk hitting the rear windshield of the suspect’s vehicle. The driver circled back through oncoming traffic from the left turn lane before hitting the pedestrians. One person is seen still clinging to the hood of the car as the driver speeds off. The driver left the scene heading west on Santa Monica Boulevard before turning north onto Hillsdale Avenue.

In a special bulletin released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the car is described as a silver Mini Cooper, having an unknown license plate, black bonnet stripes, and black wheels. The vehicle is also missing the front driver’s side quarter panel and has a damaged rear windshield. The suspect is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

By Paige Strickland

STUDIO CITY—The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on Thursday, April 6 at 8:30 p.m. on Laurel Canyon at Keswick Street in Los Angeles, CA, 91605.

They are seeking the public’s help to identify the driver of the vehicle (shown above). The truck is described as a two-tone blue older model pickup truck that is either manufactured by Nissan or Toyota. The driver pulled into an unspecified nearby parking lot nearby following. The incident caused damage to the front of the vehicle.

“[The] pickup truck was traveling southbound Laurel Canyon at Keswick Street when it ran the red light and hit a pedestrian who was walking inside a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian was pushing a small cart and got stuck on the truck causing the pedestrian to travel southbound colliding with the roadway. The driver of the truck continued traveling southbound on Laurel Canyon towards Saticoy Street without stopping to render aid to the pedestrian who was left on the roadway. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian in grave condition to a local hospital where she died,” the LAPD stated on their website.

The victim is described as a 55 year-old Hispanic female. Under the Hit-And-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, a reward of up to $50,000 is available to those who provide information that lead to the “offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Davis, Serial No. 38353 at (818) 644-8032 or (818) 644-8000. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
By Rob