Police identify 87-year-old victim of deadly Echo Park hit-and-run crash

Authorities have identified the 87-year-old victim of a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened in Echo Park in early January. 

It happened on Jan. 13 at around 6:50 p.m. near the intersection of Berkeley Avenue and Allesandro Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. 

Investigators say that the victim, Lai Har Chu of Monterey Park, was walking westbound across the road in a crosswalk when she was hit by the driver of a dark-colored Ford Transit van that was driving southbound down Allesandro Street. Instead of stopping to help Chu, the suspect fled, leaving her to die in the street. 

"In the event of a traffic collision, motorists are required to stop, check on all parties involved, and request paramedics if medical attention is needed," said a statement from LAPD. "Providing contact information is essential to ensure accountability and avoid turning a traffic incident into a criminal offense."

As with all deadly hit-and-run crashes, the city of Los Angeles has a standing reward of up to $50,000 available for anyone who has information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the suspect. 

Anyone who knows more is urged to contact LAPD Central Traffic Investigator M Figueroa at (213) 833-3713 or 34332@lapd.online.