A 34-year-old man died of injuries he suffered when the scooter on which he was a passenger was struck in a hit-and-run collision in Silver Lake, police said Tuesday.
Esdras Velasquez was left in a coma after being injured about 8:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Waverly Drive, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
A gray 2019 BMW 5 Series sedan struck the rear of the moped-type scooter as the car approached the intersection, police said.
Bystanders called for paramedics and Velasquez was taken to a hospital, where he had been in a coma, according to the LAPD.
Velasquez was pronounced dead about 11 p.m. Monday. Surveillance video shows the BMW dragging the scooter, then backing up and briefly stopping before leaving the scene.
It was unclear if the operator or Velasquez were wearing helmets.
The driver of the BMW was described as 35 to 40 years old, heavy-set man with a beard and dark features. There was a female in the front passenger seat, police said.
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"Detectives are trying to determine if there are additional witnesses with cellphone video or any information that will identify and assist with locating the suspected driver the BMW," according to the LAPD.
Anyone with video or information that could help investigators find the driver was urged to call Detective Moses Castillo of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division at (213) 833-3713 or email him at 30215@lapd.online.
After-hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) 222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800)222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.
