VAN NUYS — A 55-year-old man was crossing a Van Nuys street when he was struck by a dark-colored vehicle that fled the scene, leaving him to die, authorities said Saturday.
The victim was identified as Peter Escalante of Van Nuys, according to the coroner’s office.
The crash occurred at 10:15 p.m. Friday at Oxnard Street and Woodman Avenue, according to a Los Angeles Police Department statement.
The victim was crossing southbound on Oxnard when he was struck by the vehicle that was westbound on the same street, police said.
The driver failed to stop or attempt to aid the mortally injured pedestrian, police said.
Escalante was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Drivers involved in collisions are required to pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.
A reward of up to $50,000 is available to people who provide information leading to a hit-and-run motorist’s identification, apprehension and conviction or resolution through civil compromise.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact detectives at the Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8035 or 818-644-8036. Anonymous tips can be phoned in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
