Detectives released video footage on Wednesday of a hit-and-run from December that killed a U.S. military veteran in Los Angeles, and are now asking for the community’s help in identifying the suspect.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the fatal collision happened around 12:40 a.m. on Dec. 28 when a four-door white sedan driving northbound on Vermont Avenue hit the veteran as he was walking on 165th Place.
The driver of the sedan did not stop, identify themselves or attempt to render aid “as required by law,” said LAPD in a release, and was last seen going northbound on Vermont Avenue from 165th Place. Police did not immediately provide a suspect description.
Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victim to a hospital, where officials said he died from his injuries.
LAPD identified the pedestrian as 70-year-old Thomas Michael Cavanaugh, a resident of Los Angeles and a U.S. military veteran.
In hopes of identifying and finding the driver responsible for Cavanaugh’s death, LAPD said it would like to remind the community that a reward of up to $50,000 is available to people who provide information leading to a hit-and-run suspect’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.
In addition, LAPD said that “Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.”
The department also noted that pedestrians should exercise awareness when crossing streets, cautioning the public to obey the “rules of the road.”
