Full Notification

The Gardena Police Department Traffic Unit is seeking information in regards to a fatal hit and run collision. The collision occurred on October 10th, 2012, between 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., in the 2000 block of 135th St.
The victim, Benjamin Torres, a 49 year old Torrance resident, was riding his bicycle eastbound when he was struck by a motorist. Torres was killed and the motorist fled the scene.
Police have identified the suspect vehicle as a maroon or purple 1995-2001 Ford Explorer or 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer with matching trim. The vehicle is believed to have minor to moderate front passenger side collision damage, involving the front passenger side headlight and turn indicator.
If anyone has information about the collision, please call Traffic Investigator Matthew Hassoldt at 310-217-6189.