Police Monday released images and surveillance footage of a driver suspected of striking and fatally injuring a pedestrian in South Los Angeles and then abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.
The victim, identified as 76-year-old Herman Charles Avery Jr. of Inglewood, was crossing Western Avenue at 81st Street, heading west, around 6:15 p.m. Sunday when he was struck, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Avery died at the scene police said.
Witnesses said the impact of the hit-and-run left the victim dismembered.
"It was the man's lifeless body through the windshield with his leg missing," one woman said of her horrific encounter.
The suspect, who had a 7- to 9-year-old boy with him, drove to Western Avenue and 82nd Street, where he abandoned the vehicle he was driving, police said.
Surveillance footage from a nearby liquor store captured the driver and child purchasing a soda. The video showed the man dusting the boy off from what authorities suspect may have been glass.
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"He's cleaning him off like something is on the child's face and body," Officer Mike Lopez of the LAPD said.
The suspect is described as black, 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing.
Anyone who recognizes him or has information about the fatal hit-and-run collision was urged to call detectives at the LAPD's South Traffic Division at (323) 421-2500.
After-hours and weekend calls should be directed to the division watch commander at (323) 421-2577. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.
