Driver, Passenger Flee After Fatal Pedestrian Accident In Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Police are searching for two suspects after a pedestrian was fatally struck in Hollywood Monday morning.
The accident happened at 5 a.m. at the intersection of Western Avenue and Romaine Street in Hollywood, Los Angeles police said.
The driver of the silver Chrysler began weaving, lost control then plowed into the victim and two trees, according to police.
"He was thrown about 10 feet. He made impact with the retaining wall. He then went another 10 feet where he laid to rest." Los Angeles Police Department Officer Zachary Hutchings said.
The unidentified man, in his 60s, died at the scene.
The driver and passenger, two men in their 20s or 30s, fled the accident, leaving the car running, police said.
"They got into the middle of the street, and they were stunned. They were kind of drunk I guess because they hit their heads against the windshield. They just immediately started running," witness Ray Brown said.
Other witnesses told the police the men changed their shirts and got into a blue Mazda that may have been following them.
"The vehicle that picked them up, a witness who followed them was able to get the license plate number of that vehicle," Hutchings said.
Police gathered evidence, including cell phones from the car.
Officers said it does appear to be an accident, but it became a crime as soon as the men fled the scene.
Authorities are looking through numerous surveillance videos from businesses in the area and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD.
A Sig Alert was issued while police investigate.
