Officials with the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run driver that left a man dead in Van Nuys Friday.
The incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Oxnard Street and Woodman Avenue, LAPD said in a news release.
A dark-colored vehicle, according to police, was traveling westbound on Oxnard Street from Woodman Avenue when the driver struck a pedestrian.
First responders with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the incident and declared the victim dead at the scene.
The victim, who was described by authorities as a male Hispanic, around 50-years-old, was identified by his brother as Peter Escalante.
“Turn yourself in,” the victim’s brother, Christopher Escalante, said when asked if he had a message for the hit-and-run driver. “I know this can’t be easy for you. I know that you’re probably scared. I know that it has to have been a difficult thing to have happened…and you have to answer for what you have done.”
A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for the identification, the apprehension and the conviction of that suspect.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at 818-644-8036 or Detective Ortega at 818-664-8035. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.
