LOS ANGELES, CA – A motorcyclist in his 30s was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Studio City after a blue Honda Odyssey minivan turned across Ventura Boulevard and struck him, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The crash happened around 7 a.m. Sept. 22 at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Carpenter Avenue, where the motorcycle was traveling eastbound and the Honda Odyssey was heading westbound.
According to the LAPD, the minivan turned left onto Carpenter Avenue and collided with the motorcycle. After the crash, the driver continued southbound on Carpenter Avenue instead of stopping at the scene.
Police said the driver failed to stop, identify themselves or render aid, as required following a traffic collision.
Motorcyclist dies after being taken to hospital
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the collision and transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital.
The rider was later pronounced dead.
The LAPD said the victim’s identity was being withheld pending notification of his next of kin. Investigators described him as a man in his 30s.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, including what happened immediately before the minivan made its left turn.
Police have not publicly released additional information about the motorcyclist’s identity.
Honda Odyssey abandoned after crash
The vehicle involved in the collision was identified as a blue Honda Odyssey minivan.
According to investigators, the driver continued south on Carpenter Avenue after striking the motorcycle and eventually abandoned the vehicle. The Honda Odyssey was later taken into police custody.
The vehicle’s recovery gives investigators physical evidence as they work to identify the person who was driving at the time of the crash.
The LAPD Valley Traffic Division is handling the investigation.
Ventura Boulevard is a major east-west corridor through the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has previously implemented traffic-safety improvements along Ventura Boulevard, including signal and pedestrian-safety projects at intersections in the Valley.
$50,000 reward offered for information
The City of Los Angeles has a Hit-and-Run Reward Program that can provide up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of a person responsible for a qualifying hit-and-run, according to the LAPD.
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or may have information about the driver to come forward.
Information can be provided to Valley Traffic Division Detective Anderson at 818-644-8036 or Officer Freeman at 818-644-8115.
During non-business hours and on weekends, information can be provided by calling 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced an arrest in connection with the fatal collision.
