LAPD seeks driver in hit-and-run that left pedestrian dead in Van NuysHit and run in Van Nuys leaves pedestrian dead; driver being sought by police

A man in his 50s died in a hit-and-run accident in Van Nuys on Friday, the second fatal accident in Los Angeles in the past two weeks.

The victim was walking down Oxnard Street near Woodman Avenue when she was struck by a dark-colored vehicle at around 10:15 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The driver sped west on Oxnard Street.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators are also searching for the driver involved in the death of 32-year-old Los Angeles resident Kyle Ray.

At approximately 7:25 p.m. on Jan. 23, Ray was “possibly in medical distress and passed out in the second westbound lane of 6th Street west of Bonnie Brae,” the department stated. Investigators said a blue Dodge Ram truck traveling west on 6th Street ran over Ray and dragged him 20 feet.

The blue truck is a 2007-2013 Dodge Ram with custom lights and rims, and the track bed has been upgraded with a luggage rack.

Video of this crash is posted on Central Traffic’s social media accounts: YouTube “LAPD Central Traffic”, Twitter @LAPDCTD24 and Instagram @LAPD_CTD_24.

Police said the law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the identification, arrest or conviction of a hit-and-run driver.

Anyone with information about the Friday Van Nuys incident can contact the Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8036 or (818) 644-8035. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also visit www.lapdonline.org and click Anonymous Web Tips under the Participate – Crime Stoppers menu to submit a tip.