On November 11, 2012, at approximately 0500 hours, a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision occurred in the 8100 block of Lankershim Boulevard in the city of North Hollywood. A black GMC S15 pick-up truck travelling south on Lankershim struck a pedestrian, and fled the scene.
A witness called the police and Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to find a 72 year old male white lying in the street. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment where he was pronounced dead by the attending doctor. Next of kin is being notified by the Coroners Office.
A 21-year-old male Hispanic was transported to a local hospital two hours later due to a separate unrelated traffic collision occurring on the I-5 freeway. Property possibly belonging to the 72-year-old male was in the possession of the 21-year-old. Further investigation revealed that the 21-year-old was involved in the fatal hit and run prior to the freeway accident and did have the victim’s property. He has has been identified as 21 year old Adrian Cervantes of Panorama City and has been booked into Van Nuys Jail Facility for 20001 VC (felony hit and run).
The investigation is continuing and Valley Traffic detectives are searching for witnesses who may have observed the collision or assisted with changing a flat tire in the area of Lankershim and Sherman Way, or Balboa and Roscoe at about 4 am.
Please contact Detective Krajchir, Valley Traffic Detectives (818/644-8034) or Detective Laurino, Valley Traffic Detectives (818/644-8115), or Detective Bustos, Valley Traffic Detectives (818/644-8021).
