Full Notification

Los Angeles- On October 1, 2014, at approximately 6:00 a.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Lorena Street and Opal Street in Hollenbeck Area.  The victim, identified as Jose Noriega, 101 years old and a resident of Los Angeles, was crossing eastbound in a marked crosswalk on Lorena Street when he was struck by the driver of  a 1997 Chevy Astro Van traveling northbound in the #2 lane of Lorena Street.  After the collision, the driver of the van fled the scene but was followed by concerned witnesses.  After traveling a short distance, the witnesses blocked suspect’s path and detained him until police arrived.

Victim-Noriega was transported to LAC+USC Medical Center by paramedics from LAFD.  Despite lifesaving efforts, Noriega succumbed to his injuries and pronounced dead at 7:49 a.m.

Noriega was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and booked at Metropolitan Detention Center.  His bail is set at $50,000.00.   Alcohol or drugs were not involved. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective Felix Padilla at (213) 486-0753.  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.