A 29-year-old man suspected in a hit-and-run collision in South Los Angeles that killed an 83-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday.
John Anthony Cardenas was arrested near his workplace in Carson following an investigation by Central Traffic Division detectives into the collision, which occurred in late September, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Police said detectives executed a search warrant at Cardenas’ home following his arrest, where they located and impounded his vehicle as evidence in connection with the hit-and-run investigation.
Cardenas was booked at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. His bail was set at $1 million.
Officers initially responded around 8:43 p.m. on Sept. 30 near Central Avenue and 69th Street after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a dark blue four-door sedan traveling southbound on Central as the victim was walking eastbound outside of a marked crosswalk.
The sedan failed to stop and fled the scene without attempting to render aid to the victim, police said. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. He was later identified as Akil Saud Batanikhalfani.
“Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves,” the police department said in a statement.
Anyone with information regarding the collision was urged to contact Central Traffic Division Investigator A. Leon at 213-833-3713 or email 42943@lapd.online. A police watch commander can also be reached at 213-833-3746. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.