Valley Glen, CA – Authorities in Valley Glen are searching for a hit-and-run driver after an elderly woman was seriously injured in a collision on October 17. The incident occurred near the intersection of Chandler and Van Nuys Boulevards around 9:20 a.m., leaving the woman in critical condition.
Incident Overview
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the victim, a woman in her 70s, was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a silver Lexus NX350H SUV. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver did not stop after the collision and continued east on Chandler Boulevard, leaving the victim lying in the roadway.
The woman suffered severe injuries, and emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital. Authorities have withheld her name pending notification of next of kin. Fortunately, no other pedestrians or vehicles were reported injured during the crash, though police say the incident caused significant damage to the SUV and surrounding property.
Police Investigation
LAPD detectives are actively investigating the case and have appealed to the public for assistance. They are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras to come forward.
A reward of up to $50,000 has been offered for information leading to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the hit-and-run driver. Police have emphasized that fleeing the scene of a collision is a serious crime that endangers both victims and the community.
Detectives are reviewing traffic camera footage from the area and conducting interviews with nearby residents and businesses to piece together the suspect’s movements, as per KTLA.
Officers have also described the vehicle as a silver Lexus NX350H SUV, urging anyone who sees a vehicle matching that description to contact the LAPD immediately.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
The incident has raised concern among residents and pedestrians in Valley Glen. Community members expressed shock and frustration, noting that crosswalk safety is a growing issue in the area.
While investigations continue, officials remind the public of important safety precautions:
- Pedestrians should remain alert while crossing streets, even in marked crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
- Motorists are urged to obey traffic laws, reduce speed in pedestrian-heavy areas, and stop immediately if involved in a collision.
Incidents like this underscore the dangers of reckless driving and highlight the need for community vigilance. Residents are encouraged to discuss pedestrian safety in their neighborhoods and take steps to protect vulnerable road users.
Next Steps
The LAPD continues its search for the suspect vehicle and encourages anyone with information to reach out to Valley Glen Police. Officers are also coordinating with local traffic authorities to review recent traffic patterns and vehicle sightings to track the suspect’s possible movements.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the hit-and-run to come forward. If you witnessed this incident or have footage, please share your tips in the comments below. Your contribution could help bring justice and prevent similar tragedies.
