LA Police Hunt for Hit-and-Run Driver After Fatal Bicycle Crash
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is on the hunt for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a cyclist on Friday evening.
Tragic Incident Unfolds
The devastating accident occurred around 8:05 p.m. near Woodley Avenue, just south of Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys. According to authorities, a speeding silver SUV rammed into the victim, sending him flying from his bicycle onto the unforgiving asphalt.
The heartless driver didn’t even flinch, continuing their southbound flight on Woodley Avenue towards Burbank Boulevard, leaving the injured cyclist behind to fend for himself.
Victim Identified
The victim, a man in his early 40s, couldn’t hang on to life. His identity remains under wraps until his family is officially notified.
Alarming Rise in Hit-and-Runs
Tragically, this fatal hit-and-run is just one in a string of such incidents that have plagued Los Angeles. Data from Crosstown L.A. paints a grim picture, showing a disturbing rise in hit-and-run deaths in recent years. In 2023, a staggering 108 people lost their lives in hit-and-runs, nearly double the 56 in 2020.
The year 2024 isn’t much better. Through April 6, Los Angeles has recorded a gut-wrenching 31 fatal hit-and-runs.
Record Traffic Fatalities
This fatal bicycle crash is yet another tragic addition to Los Angeles’s record-breaking number of traffic fatalities in 2023. According to Crosstown L.A., there were a shocking 343 traffic deaths last year, making it the third consecutive year of increases. The first three months of 2024 alone saw 77 traffic fatalities.
Call to Action
The LAPD is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with any knowledge of the incident is urged to contact Valley Traffic Division, Investigator Hansen at 818-644-8115 or Reyes at 818-644-8022.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
