Search underway for hit-and-run driver who fatally struck 89-year-old woman in South LA

Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who fatally struck an 89-year-old South Los Angeles woman late Thursday evening. 

According to Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred at around 11:10 p.m. at Central Avenue south of 108th Street. 

The victim, identified as Marie Alexander by relatives, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Alexander, who reportedly suffered from dementia, was last seen at around 2 p.m. on Thursday after she wandered away from the Cadillac Kaiser Hospital and took her son's car. 

Officers located Alexander's son's car more than 15 miles away from the hospital's location.

According to police, the woman was attempting to cross the street when she was hit by the car, which "caused the pedestrian to become airborne and collide with the roadway."

Thus far, police have only identified the involved vehicle as a dark-colored, early model mid-sized Chevrolet. 

A standing reward of up to $50,000 has been offered by the city of Los Angeles for any information that may help authorities identify and arrest the suspect. 

Anyone with information was asked to contact LAPD's South Traffic Division at (323) 421-2500.