Police were searching Sunday for the driver of a dark-colored SUV that fatally struck a man as he walked in a marked crosswalk in Chatsworth.
The collision was reported at 12:39 a.m. Sunday at De Soto Avenue and Lassen Street, where the SUV, possibly a black BMW, was traveling southbound on De Soto, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The driver briefly stopped along the curb south of Lassen before fleeing southbound without identifying himself or herself or rendering aid, according to police, who described the motorist as a possible male, but did not provide an age or other identifying details.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. He was believed to be in his 60s. His name was withheld pending notification of relatives.
Valley Traffic Division detectives were investigating the collision and urged anyone who witnessed it, particularly motorists who had been traveling southbound on De Soto Avenue north of Lassen Street around that time, to contact investigators.
A reward of up to $50,000 may be available for information leading to the driver’s identification, apprehension and conviction, or resolution through a civil compromise, under the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program.
Anyone with information was urged to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Lozon at 818-644-8117 or Officer Reyes at 818-644-8114. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.