Pickup truck flees after hitting 3 pedestrians in Koreatown, 1 dead

July 28, 2014

(CNS) – A pickup truck in a collision at a Koreatown intersection struck three pedestrians today, killing one and critically injuring the others, and the driver ran away from the crash, authorities said.

Firefighters and paramedics were sent to the 4100 block of West Beverly Boulevard about 6:40 a.m., said Katherine Main of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A man in his 40s died at the scene, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter. A man and a woman — also in their 40s — were taken to a hospital, where they were reported to have stable vital signs.

According to the preliminary investigation, the pickup truck went through a red light, collided with a Toyota Camry,  then hit the pedestrians, Los Angeles police Officer Joel Morales said. A BMW also was involved in the crash, Morales said.

The drivers of the two cars remained at the scene, but the driver of the pickup truck ran, Morales said. He was described as Hispanic, 30-35 years of age, and 5 feet 6 inches tall. He was wearing a red shirt and black pants.