7-year-old boy dies after being hit by 2 vehicles in South LA; 1 hit-and-run driver sought after fleeing

SOUTH LOS ANGELES () — A 7-year-old boy was killed and his father was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in South Los Angeles, where police are searching for a driver who fled the scene, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 10 p.m. on Figueroa Street between 77th and 78th streets, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities said the child was struck by two vehicles after running into the roadway. One driver remained at the scene, while the other, described as a dark colored, four-door sedan, took off after hitting the child.

Los Angeles Fire paramedics transported the child and his 39-year-old father to a local hospital. LAPD said the child’s father suffered severe injuries. The child later died as a result of his injuries.

A witness who asked that her identity be withheld said she saw the crash.

“The 7-year-old got hit in the middle of the street,” the witness said. “Just flew and, and we all were just screaming like it’s was just like some stuff you would never want to see out here, and I’ve been seeing a lot of stuff that happen like that,” she said.

The witness said the child’s family lives near the location where he was killed. She also said the boy’s mother was overcome with grief when she saw her son’s body in the street.

“I understand that lady’s pain and that scream, it’s something that you would never, ever, it was like came from her soul and I feel sorry for her,” the witness said.

“It was like, it was like, I’m kind of still messed up about it. I’m just pushing myself to work out here, but honestly I would never want anybody to ever go through that pain. Like, it was so messed up. We all had to walk around the street,” the witness added.

Police continued searching for the driver who left the scene.

Authorities remind motorists that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.

The is offering a reward of up to $50,000 to community members who provide information that leads to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the hit-and-run suspect, or to the case being resolved through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD South Traffic Division, Detective Nily at (323) 421-2577. During business hours, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.