Witness To Downtown Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Sought

Los Angeles CA

11 March, 2022

11:15 AM

Description

LOS ANGELES, CA — Detectives are seeking a possible witness to a Downtown hit-and-run that left a 61-year-old woman severely injured and caused her to lose her beloved dog. According to Los Angeles Police Department detectives, the collision was caught on camera, and a second driver appeared to be in a position to witness the incident. Sandra Martin, was badly injured when a driver backed onto her Monday, throwing her to the ground and knocking her dog out of her arms. The Los Angeles Police Department released footage of the crash 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 a dark color newer-model four-door Hyundai Genesis "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 suspect then drove away from the scene without offering any aid, according to a Los Angeles Police Department bulletin. The Genesis was last seen driving southbound on Los Angeles Street from Fourth Street. The driver is described as a Black man with a thin build, between 170 and 190 pounds and between 25 and 30 years old. Video from the scene appeared to show a newer model Jeep Wrangler following the suspect's vehicle after the collision, police said. "The driver in the Wrangler appeared to be in position to see when Sandra Martin was struck by the Genesis," according to the LAPD. After the crash, the driver of the Wrangler also left the scene and drove southbound Los Angeles Street from 4th Street. Martin was taken to a hospital with severe injuries that required surgery. Los Angeles Police Department recorded a video of her asking the driver to come forward. Authorities announced Thursday that Martin had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home. She was walking her dog, a brown long-haired Chihuahua-terrier mix named Little Man, when she was struck by the vehicle and the dog ran away. She is asking for the public's help in finding him. Anyone with information about the witness, the hit-and-run vehicle, the driver or his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Juan Campos with Central Traffic detectives at 213-833-3713. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-800-222-8477. City News Service contributed to this report.