Police Seek Help Finding Hit-And-Run Motorist In Pedestrian's Death; $50,000 Reward Offered
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) - Police sought the public's help Thursday to find the hit-and-run driver responsible for fatally injuring a man in the Manchester Square area of Los Angeles near Inglewood last month.
Adolph Lyons, a 70-year-old Army veteran, was killed at about 9:35 p.m. on Jan. 27 as he walked in a crosswalk at Manchester and Van Ness avenues, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Just prior to the incident, the suspect's vehicle was seen at a Rally Burger in the area. After stopping to pickup food, they left the restaurant with lights off, moments before the collision with Lyons.
"A vehicle traveling east on Manchester Avenue turned left onto northbound Van Ness Avenue and collided with the victim," police said in a statement.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Police Department released footage of the incident, which showed the driver of the vehicle pulling over to check on Lyons for about 10 seconds, before re-entering their vehicle and driving away.
LAPD officials also held a press conference Thursday to address the standing reward of $50,000 being offered by Los Angeles City Council for information that helps authorities solve the fatal hit-and-run. They were joined by members of Lyons' family, who were desperately searching for answers and a resolution in the tragic event.
"My brother was an engineer for the state of California," said Lyons' brother. "I would say to that driver - search their conscience, and realize the kind of grief that this has put our family in."
LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno echoed that, "Make it right. ... Make it right for the families that are suffering. Do the right thing and turn yourself in."
Authorities described the vehicle as "distinctive." It is said to be a raised, dark-colored, newer-model Chevrolet Silverado with tinted windows, a dual-exhaust system, a sunroof, a bed-lining cover. They made special note on the rims on the vehicle, "You can see the textures of the rims, with the gaps between the spokes," said Moreno.
No description was available of the driver.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call LAPD South Traffic Division detectives at 323-421-2500; the watch commander at 323-421- 2570; 877-LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.