Victim Helps Detain Hit-Run Suspect
An unidentified 19-year-old motorist followed the hit-and-run driver who struck him Sunday and held that driver until police arrived, but not before the hit-run driver struck a parked car, then careened into a garage, damaging two other vehicles, authorities said.
Young Kim, 21, of Canoga Park was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, police said. Kim allegedly rear-ended the 19-year-old’s car on Shoup Avenue in Canoga Park about 1:30 a.m.
Before he stopped, Kim’s vehicle crashed into a parked car at Vassar Avenue and Rodax Street, then crossed the street and veered into a garage, hitting two cars inside. It was estimated that Kim caused $10,000 in property damage, said Sgt. Ben Lee of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division.
It’s not unusual for hit-run victims to follow suspects in an attempt to copy their license plates, Lee said.
Kim’s blood alcohol level was measured at .10%, and police filed a request to charge him with hit-and-run driving. His bail was set at $500.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
