Tarzana hit-and-run driver that killed beloved comedian Perry Kurtz is in custody

The alleged hit-and-run driver who fled the scene after killing a 73-year-old pedestrian in Tarzana has been arrested at his home in Reseda. 

The collision happened around 11:20 p.m. Thursday at Corbin Avenue and Ventura Boulevard, where witnesses at the scene say they saw a gray Honda Civic race away after hitting the man in the street, according to police. 

The victim who was pronounced dead at the scene was comedian Perry Kurtz. Members in the community called him a friend to all, and said Kurtz was enjoying his Thursday evening routine of comedy and karaoke before he was struck and killed.

Kurtz had just left Corbin Bowl after spending time with friends, but didn't make it to karaoke across the street.

Police found the Honda Civic after the driver ditched it, and officers were able to locate the hit-and-run driver at his Reseda residence. 

Nathon Jaimes, 18, of Reseda was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death, and was held on $30,000 bail, according to police. 

Kurtz, of Reseda, appeared on "America's Got Talent" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and numerous other venues over a decades-long career.

According to the America's Got Talent Wiki page, Kurtz was a rapper act from Season 8 of "America's Got Talent," and at age 62, he was eliminated in the audition round. A bio on the site says in 1989 he became a paid regular at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and Dangerfields in New York City.