Full Notification

Los Angeles- On October 1, 2014, at approximately 6:00 a.m., a fatal hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Lorena Street and Opal Street in Hollenbeck Area.  The victim, identified as Jose Noriega, 101 years old and a resident of Los Angeles, was crossing eastbound in a marked crosswalk on Lorena Street when he was struck by the driver of  a 1997 Chevy Astro Van traveling northbound in the #2 lane of Lorena Street.  After the collision, the driver of the van fled the scene but was followed by concerned witnesses.  After traveling a short distance, the witnesses blocked suspect’s path and detained him until police arrived.

Victim-Noriega was transported to LAC+USC Medical Center by paramedics from LAFD.  Despite lifesaving efforts, Noriega succumbed to his injuries and pronounced dead at 7:49 a.m.

The driver of the van was identified as Ricardo Avalos, 41 years old of Los Angeles.  He was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and booked at Metropolitan Detention Center.  His bail is set at $50,000.00.   Alcohol or drugs were not involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713 or Detective Felix Padilla at (213) 486-0753.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.