Full Notification

Los Angeles- On December 16, 2014, at approximately 0545 hours, a fatal hit and run traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 7^th Street and Towne Avenue in Central Area.

The victim, a male White, 60 years old, was crossing 7^th Street, northbound, against a “Don’t Walk” signal when he was struck by a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.  The driver of the Volkswagen, Jesus Reynosa, of Monterey Park, was traveling westbound on 7^th Street on a green light when his vehicle made contact with the victim.

After the collision, Reynosa made a U-turn and returned to the scene.  He stopped approximately 20 feet from the body and then elected to flee.  A witness flagged down officers from Central Area and provided them with the vehicle license plate number and vehicle description.  A crime broadcast was initiated by the officers and within seconds the vehicle was located by other Central Area officers.  The officers followed the suspect a short distance and affected a traffic stop.  Reynosa pulled to the curb and was placed under arrest.  Reynosa was later booked at Metropolitan Detention Center and charged for the hit and run. Reynosa has a valid driver’s license and is insured. Drugs or alcohol were not involved.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation is being conducted by Central Traffic Division Detectives.  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 or the Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 486-3713.  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.