Hit and Run Driver Leaves Cyclist Dead

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the driver responsible for a hit-and-run that killed an elderly man riding his bike.

On Friday, June 8, 2012, around 2:00 a.m., a male White in his late sixties - early seventies was riding a bicycle east bound on Nordhoff Street approaching Woodley Avenue.  The bicyclist was struck from behind by a vehicle also traveling east bound.  The impact projected the bicyclist and he then collided with the roadway and a raised planter box in a parking lot. The bicyclist sustained severe injuries and was pronounced at scene.

The identity of the bicyclist is unknown at this time and pending identification by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The suspect vehicle failed to stop and render aid /exchange information and was last seen fleeing east bound on Nordhoff Street.  Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark colored, possible dark blue, mid-size SUV, Chevrolet Blazer or similar type of vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing, anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this collision please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Detectives, Detective James Deaton at 818-644-8035 or Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8021 during normal business hours. 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”