Skateboarder Killed By In Hit-And-Run Driver In Tarzana
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A woman riding a skateboard was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Tarzana in the early morning hours Tuesday.
The collision occurred at about 12:30 a.m. at Tampa Avenue and Topham Street, near the Woodcrest School, according to Los Angeles police.
A car traveling south on Tampa Avenue struck the victim while she was riding a skateboard in the street, police said. The woman, who is about 40 years of age, died at the scene. Her name was not immediately released.
The suspect sped away. The skateboarder was not in a crosswalk when she was hit.
Based on debris from the car left at the scene, investigators have identified the suspect vehicle as a silver 2013 to 2018 model Toyota Avalon. It likely has major front-end damage to the right side of its fender.
Investigators were able to narrow down the car's make and model because the car parts at the scene had part numbers. There was no immediate description of the driver.
"Had the person stopped, they would not have been in trouble because it's late at night, dark area, people crossing the street you can't see them," said Capt. Brian Wendling of the LAPD.
Investigators are canvassing the area for surveillance video.
Police said if the driver had remained at the scene, they may not have been found at fault for the wreck.
The City of Los Angeles has a standing reward of up to $50,000 for information that will lead to an arrest or conviction in hit and run cases like this one.
