101-year-old man killed in hit-and-run crash in Boyle Heights
A 101-year-old man died Wednesday morning after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Boyle Heights.
The fatal accident occurred at South Lorena Street and Opal Street about 6 a.m., said Felix Padilla, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division.
Jose Noriega was crossing South Lorena Street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a 1997 Chevy Astro van traveling north. He was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center by paramedics, but succumbed to his injuries about 7:50 a.m.
Authorities said the driver, Ricardo Avalos, 41, of Los Angeles, fled the scene. He was followed by witnesses for a short distance who then blocked his path and detained him until officers arrived, Padilla said.
Avalos was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center on $50,000 bail. Alcohol or drugs were not involved, Padilla said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division at (213) 833-3713 or Det. Felix Padilla at (213) 486-0753.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to 274637.
For breaking news, follow @AdolfoFlores3 on Twitter.
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