LOS ANGELES, CA – An 83-year-old man was killed Sept. 30 when the driver of a dark blue sedan struck him on Central Avenue in South Los Angeles and fled without stopping, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Officers responded to the crash near Central Avenue and 69th Street at about 8:43 p.m. The victim, Akil Batani-Khalfani, known in the community as “Bird,” was walking east on Central Avenue, outside a marked crosswalk, when he was hit, the LAPD said.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The LAPD’s Central Traffic Division is investigating, and as of Friday, Oct. 9, the driver had not been identified.
The department said in a news release that a reward of $50,000 is being offered in the case. The LAPD also released video of the crash on Friday.
Driver fled the scene
The LAPD described the vehicle as a dark blue, four-door sedan that was traveling south on Central Avenue when it struck the man.
The driver did not stop to help him or identify themselves, according to the department. The sedan left the area before officers arrived.
Central Avenue near 69th Street is in South Los Angeles. The LAPD has not released a license plate number, a make or model, or a description of the driver.
Victim identified as Akil Batani-Khalfani
The LAPD publicly identified the victim as Akil Batani-Khalfani, 83, of Los Angeles. The identification came about five days after the crash.
His family has said he was a former Youth Correctional Counselor for the California Youth Authority and a former Youth Gang Counselor for the Los Angeles Community Youth Gang Services. A vigil was held Oct. 6, and the family has called for “Justice for Bird.”
His daughter, D’Ixara Batani-Khalfani, has publicly urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward and not withhold details.
Mayor announces reward of up to $50,000
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Thursday evening, Oct. 8, a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the driver. The offer falls under the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program.
The program can provide up to $50,000 in qualifying hit-and-run cases, according to the LAPD’s description of a reward in an earlier case. Bass said her office worked with 9th District Councilmember Curren Price and the LAPD on the reward for this case.
The mayor said the reward could also apply to information that leads to the case being resolved through a civil compromise.
Mayor and council office respond
Bass said that “No one deserves to die in this manner and Bird’s tragic death is heartbreaking.” She described him as an elder, a father of 15, a grandfather of 43, a community advocate and a community historian who dedicated his life to young people.
She also said that “Every Angeleno deserves to be safe on our streets.” According to the mayor, the city is reviewing additional safety measures for the area where he was killed.
Price’s office said it has been in communication with the family and has connected them to services. The office said it is working with the LAPD to identify the driver and hold that person accountable.
How to give information to investigators
Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle is asked to contact Investigator A. Leon of the LAPD Central Traffic Division at 213-833-3713. The division’s watch commander can be reached at 213-833-3746.
People who want to remain anonymous can send tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. The LAPD South Bureau can be reached at 323-786-5077.
Driver has not been identified
The investigation remains active, and no arrest has been announced in connection with the Sept. 30 collision. The $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the driver.
