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Arrest Made In Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed Man, 72

NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A 21-year-old was arrested in a hit-and-run crash that left a 72-year-old man dead in North Hollywood Sunday.

The incident happened around 5 a.m. in the 8100 block of Lankershim, just south of Roscoe.

Adrian Cervantes allegedly ran the victim over while he walked to get breakfast at McDonald's.

The elderly man was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Officials said Cervantes fled the area.

"A pickup truck was seen leaving the scene of the accident, apparently with a flat tire," said Sgt. Larry Jones from the Los Angeles Police Department. "He stopped to change the flat tire."

Two hours later, Cervantes got on the 5 freeway and crashed his car again.

When police responded to that accident, they found the hit-and-run victim's wallet and personal property inside the suspect's car.

Cervantes was taken to the hospital, but police are prepared to arrest him once he's released.

"I haven't seen somebody run a victim over, come back around and take their property from them, and then leave," said Jones.

Police haven't yet identified the victim, but neighbors said his name was Richard.

They said the man didn't have a family and has lived alone at the Valley Village Mobile Home Park in North Hollywood for more than 20 years.

"Everyone that used to know him has passed on," said Carol Bickel.

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