The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public for help identifying a driver accused of leaving the scene after striking an electric-scooter rider in Los Angeles.
Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the suspect's identity, arrest and prosecution in connection with the felony hit-and-run.
The collision occurred on July 29, 2026, and left the scooter rider severely injured, according to an official LAPD alert.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision happened at approximately 8:40 a.m. on July 29 on 9th Street.
Police said an unknown-colored vehicle was traveling eastbound on 9th Street when it struck a victim who was operating an electric scooter westbound.
LAPD said the scooter rider was traveling against the one-way eastbound traffic when the collision occurred.
After the crash, the driver allegedly failed to stop and did not identify themselves or provide assistance to the injured rider.
Instead, the suspect fled the area in an unknown direction.
The victim suffered severe injuries and was transported by the Los Angeles Fire Department to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators have not publicly identified the driver or released the vehicle's color, make, model or license plate information.
The case is being investigated by the LAPD Central Traffic Division's Collision Investigation Follow-Up Unit (CFIU) under Case No. 26148295.
KEY FACTS
Incident: Felony hit-and-run
- Date: July 29, 2026
- Time: Approximately 8:40 a.m.
- Location: 9th Street, Los Angeles
- Victim: Electric-scooter rider
- Victim's Condition: Severely injured
- Suspect Vehicle: Unknown color
- Suspect: Identity unknown
- Reward: $25,000
- Case Number: 26148295
- Investigating Unit: LAPD Central Traffic Division, Collision Investigation Follow-Up Unit
- Emergency Response: Los Angeles Fire Department transported the victim to a hospital
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The LAPD's public notice confirms that investigators are treating the incident as a felony hit-and-run.
Police say the suspect's vehicle struck the scooter rider and then left without stopping, identifying the driver or rendering aid.
The official notice does not provide a description of the vehicle beyond stating that its color is unknown. Investigators also have not publicly released information about the direction the suspect traveled after leaving the scene.
The victim's severe injuries make the case particularly serious. Under California law, drivers involved in qualifying injury crashes have legal obligations to stop and provide assistance.
At the same time, LAPD's account notes that the scooter rider was traveling westbound against the one-way eastbound traffic on 9th Street. That detail could become relevant to investigators as they reconstruct the collision and determine how it occurred.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported the injured rider to a local hospital, where the victim received medical treatment.
Investigators are now seeking witnesses or anyone with information that could help identify the vehicle or driver.
WHY IT MATTERS
Hit-and-run crashes can make investigations significantly more difficult because investigators may have limited information about the vehicle and driver responsible.
In this case, the suspect allegedly left before police could identify the driver or obtain information directly from the person involved.
The $25,000 reward is intended to encourage witnesses and others with relevant information to come forward.
Investigators may also be interested in surveillance footage from nearby businesses, residences, traffic cameras or vehicles that were traveling along 9th Street around the time of the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw a vehicle leaving the area could potentially provide information that helps investigators establish what happened.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The investigation now centers on identifying the vehicle and determining exactly how the collision occurred.
Investigators will likely need to examine the available physical evidence and any video footage that may show the crash or the suspect vehicle before or after the impact.
Witness accounts could also help establish the vehicle's direction of travel and provide additional details about its appearance.
The circumstances involving the scooter rider's decision to travel against one-way traffic will also need to be considered as investigators reconstruct the incident.
However, that detail does not change the allegation that the driver failed to stop after the collision.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
The initial police account does not provide enough information to determine who was at fault for the collision itself. LAPD says the scooter rider was traveling against one-way traffic, which could be relevant to the circumstances leading up to the impact. At the same time, investigators have not released enough evidence to establish exactly how the crash unfolded, how fast either party was traveling or whether the driver had an opportunity to safely stop. Those questions will need to be answered as the investigation continues.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The LAPD Central Traffic Division's Collision Investigation Follow-Up Unit will continue working to identify the driver and determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed the suspect vehicle afterward to provide information.
Police Officer Luis Herrera, Serial No. 42118, is handling inquiries related to the investigation.
Information can be provided to Officer Herrera at 213-833-3713 or by email at 42118@lapd.online.
The Central Traffic Division Watch Commander can also be contacted at 213-833-3746.
During weekends and off-hours, information can be provided through LAPD's 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
The $25,000 reward is specifically being offered for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- What color was the suspect vehicle?
- What make and model was the vehicle?
- Did the suspect vehicle have visible damage after the collision?
- What direction did the vehicle travel after fleeing?
- Were there witnesses who saw the driver?
- Is surveillance footage available from nearby businesses or traffic cameras?
- How exactly did the collision occur?
- How severe were the victim's injuries?
- Will investigators identify the suspect through witness evidence or video?
- Who will ultimately be held responsible for the collision?