'Do The Right Thing — Turn Yourself In,' Hit & Run Victim Urges

Los Angeles CA

04 March, 2022

7:29 PM

Description

LOS ANGELES, CA — A woman who was struck by a hit and run driver in Downtown Los Angeles, appealed to the driver's sense of decency from her hospital bed Friday. Sandra Martin, 61, was badly injured when a driver backed onto her Monday, throwing her to the ground and knocking her dog out of her arms. The crash, which occurred in the 100 block of East Fourth Street, was captured on camera. The Los Angeles Police Department released footage of the crash Friday while asking for help finding the hit-and-run motorist as well as the victim's now missing dog. Martin was crossing the street near Main Street at about 3 a.m. Monday when she was hit by the car. She was taken to a hospital, and the Los Angeles Police Department recorded a video of her asking the driver to come forward. "I'd like him to do the right thing, and turn himself in," she said. The video shows martin falling and her dog being thrown into the road. "A four-door passenger vehicle that was traveling in reverse struck her," an LAPD statement said. "Martin was knocked to the ground and the driver stopped. Per Martin, the driver stepped out, pulled her out from under the vehicle, and began to walk back to his vehicle. "Prior to getting back into his vehicle, the driver was asked by Martin if he was leaving, and his response was, `(I) sure am,"' police said. The man was described as Black, 25-30 years old, and weighing about 170 to 190 pounds. The car was described only as dark in color, with four doors. "Martin is asking for the public's help in locating her brown long- hair pet Chihuahua-Terrier named `Little Man,' " police said. "She was carrying the dog when the crash occurred." Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Juan Campos, Central Traffic Detectives, at 213-833-3713 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Tipsters may also call 877-LAPD-247, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. City News Service contributed to this report.