Wilmington father of 3 killed in hit-and-run while lighting a firework on the street
Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Wilmington late Monday.
The incident occurred at around 9:10 p.m., at which point Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to the scene on Fries Avenue, outside of the Food 4 Less grocery store.
Upon arrival, they found a 36-year-old man dead in the street. He has been identified by the Medical Examiner as Juan Jose Areyan, a father of three and resident of Wilmington.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was "possibly igniting fireworks when struck" by a vehicle traveling northbound on Fries Avenue, LAPD said.
The victim was then "dragged for approximately 85 feet before becoming dislodged from the undercarriage of the SUV," at which point he was hit by a second vehicle, according to a statement from police.
According to police, witnesses saw a driver behind the wheel of a silver, 2008 Ford Explorer fleeing from the area. The second driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the police investigation.
The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest or conviction of the suspect due to the Los Angeles Administration Code's Hit and Run Reward Program.
Anyone with has additional info is asked to contact investigators at (323) 421-2500.
