Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help identifying a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division, the collision happened on March 1, 2026, at approximately 11:16 p.m. on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue.
Investigators said a light-colored Toyota Prius was traveling eastbound on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue when it collided with a male pedestrian who was also walking eastbound in the number two lane.
The driver allegedly failed to stop after striking the pedestrian.
Police said the driver did not remain at the scene or provide assistance as required by law and instead fled eastbound on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the collision and transported the injured pedestrian to a local hospital.
The victim, who was described as being in his 30s, suffered severe injuries.
Despite receiving medical treatment, he later died from his injuries several days after the collision.
The victim’s identity was not provided in the initial information released by police.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Investigators are searching for a light-colored Toyota Prius believed to have been involved in the collision.
According to LAPD, the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue immediately before striking the pedestrian.
The driver then continued eastbound without stopping, according to detectives.
The Central Traffic Division is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or may have information about the Prius or its driver to contact investigators.
Police have not publicly released additional identifying information about the vehicle, such as its license plate number, model year or specific damage sustained in the crash.
The investigation remains focused on identifying the driver and determining the full circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The fatal crash highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians and the serious consequences that can follow when a driver leaves the scene of a collision.
Los Angeles police reminded motorists that anyone involved in a crash should stop as soon as it is safe, notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves.
Authorities also reminded pedestrians to exercise caution when traveling near roadways.
Police urged pedestrians to obey traffic signals, use marked crosswalks when crossing streets and follow applicable rules of the road.
A cautious view is that the publicly released information does not yet establish exactly how the collision occurred or whether additional factors contributed to the pedestrian’s injuries. Investigators have identified the vehicle as a light-colored Toyota Prius, but they have not released enough information to determine the driver's identity or explain what happened immediately before impact. Those details will need to be established through witness accounts, physical evidence, surveillance footage and the ongoing investigation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
LAPD Central Traffic Division detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal collision and are working to identify the driver involved.
Authorities are encouraging witnesses and anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.
Los Angeles maintains a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, which was created by the City Council in 2015.
A reward of up to $50,000 may be available to community members who provide information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of an offender, or resolution through a civil compromise.
Anyone with information about the collision should contact Police Officer Herrera with the Central Traffic Division at (213) 833-3713.
During non-business hours or weekends, information can be provided through 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also use the P3 Tips mobile application and select L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Who was driving the Toyota Prius?
- What year and model was the Prius?
- What was the vehicle’s license plate number?
- Did the Prius sustain visible damage in the collision?
- Were there witnesses who saw the impact?
- Is surveillance footage available from nearby businesses or residences?
- Why did the driver leave the scene?
- Were any other vehicles involved?
- What additional evidence will investigators uncover?
- Will the driver be identified and arrested?
Case Information
Incident: Fatal hit-and-run Date: March 1, 2026 Time: Approximately 11:16 p.m. Location: Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles Vehicle: Light-colored Toyota Prius Victim: Male pedestrian in his 30s Investigating Agency: LAPD Central Traffic Division Reward: Up to $50,000 may be available