Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run driver who struck a woman and her 3-year-old son, leaving the toddler seriously injured and in the hospital.
The incident occurred on Oct. 1 in an unmarked crosswalk at Broadway and 80th Street.
“The area has lighting. It has good lighting, enough to be able to see the mother and the kid crossing the street,” LAPD Officer Luis Herrera said.
A driver in a black compact SUV traveling at more than 50 mph in a 35 mph zone was headed northbound on Broadway when it crashed into Elsa Zelaya and her son, Dominick.
While Elsa suffered minor injuries, the collision left her Dominick with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop to identify themselves or help the victims in any way.
The 3-year-old victim has already undergone surgery and is being monitored at a children’s hospital.
“He has serious internal injuries. He had some injuries to the brain and the heart. He’s undergone several surgeries right now. He has a long road to recovery,” Herrera said.
Video of the incident shows the driver in the SUV slowing down after the collision and then driving away.
“We’re still gathering evidence. We’re still gathering video, getting everything we can,” Herrera said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact LAPD’s South Traffic Division at 323-421-2500. Anonymous tips can be made through L.A. Crime Stoppers.
A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identity, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for severely injuring the victims.