Pacoima, California – A 76-year-old woman and her dog were fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Pacoima Monday night, and the suspected driver who fled the scene has been taken into custody, authorities reported Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Gloria Vasquez. According to police, she was outside of a marked crosswalk when she was hit around 8:15 p.m. near Osborne Street and Haddon Avenue.
The suspect, Ever Marquez, 31, of Pacoima, was reportedly driving eastbound on Osborne Street in a Honda Accord when he hit Vasquez and her dog as they were crossing the road just west of Haddon Avenue, according to the LAPD.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced Vasquez dead at the scene.
Her dog also sustained critical injuries and later died, officials said.
Marquez allegedly left the scene without rendering aid but was apprehended shortly afterward when police canvassing the area located the suspect vehicle.
Authorities shut down Osborne Street between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Haddon Avenue to conduct the crash investigation.
The LAPD Valley Traffic Division urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Ramirez at 818-644-8025.
For tips outside regular hours, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Source: My New LA
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Yes, families in California can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one is killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident. Under California law, surviving family members — such as a spouse, children, or dependents — have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
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