Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver In Mid-City Area
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police Sunday were searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a man in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles.
The fatal accident took place in the 3900 block of West Olympic Boulevard and Norton Avenue about 10:20 p.m. Saturday.
Louisa Hodge, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said that witnesses saw a dark sport utility vehicle traveling east on Olympic -- a heavily populated area -- when the driver struck a pedestrian wearing dark-colored clothing.
The victim, now identified as 42-year-old Douglas Steven Harden, was not using the crosswalk at the time, according to police.
Hodge reported that the victim's nearby, Mary Rempola, was nearby but was uninjured.
Bobby Kaple, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said that Harden was a physical therapist who also volunteered at a local hospital.
Harden was rushed to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A portion of West Olympic Boulevard was closed off for several hours overnight as police investigated.
Witness Cesar Roques said, "I feel horrible. I am a Christian guy and I don't understand the the people that hit this guy don't stop for any reason."
Kaple also spoke to grieving friends and family who gathered Sunday where Harden was killed.
Said Nicole, "He served as an amazing father figure for me and my brother. He made my mom really happy."
She said the deceased was merely crossing the street to check his lottery numbers.
Said friend Winnie Panganiban, "The black SUV just went straight and hit him. And left him there and didn't stop. Please help me to find that guy."
Reporting from a make-shift memorial for the victim Sunday evening, Carter Evans of CBS2 and KCAL9, said Harden's fiance was so inconsolable "she could barely stand."
