Arrest made of Fatal Hit-and-Run Suspect NR23722am

October 25, 2023                                                                                                                   NR23722am

Arrest made of Fatal Hit-and-Run Suspect

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Division detectives announce the arrest of the suspect involved in a fatal hit-and-run that struck and killed a bicyclist.

On October 24, 2023, around 8:45 a.m., a vehicle traveling southbound Broadway collided into a male bicyclist crossing near 115th Street. The force of the collision caused the bicyclist/victim to fall onto the roadway. The suspect vehicle, described as a van, ran over the victim who became lodged onto the undercarriage of the van. The van continued southbound turning down several city streets for approximately one mile. The victim became dislodged from underneath the van at the intersection of Broadway and El Segundo Boulevard. The suspect fled the scene without stopping and rendering aid to the victim.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and attempted to provide life-saving measures; however, the victim was pronounced deceased at-scene. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

Los Angeles Police Department, South Traffic Division detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. South Traffic Division detectives located surveillance video that captured the collision and images of the suspect’s vehicle, later identified as an older model Chevy Astro Van. While interviewing witnesses, detectives obtained a possible license plate of the suspect’s vehicle.

Detectives conducted a series of follow-ups and located the suspect’s van parked in the driveway of a residence in the City of Compton. While monitoring the suspect’s van, an older male Hispanic matching the description of the suspect, exited the residence and entered the van. South Traffic Division detectives took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect, identified as 66-year-old Felipe Avalos, was arrested and booked for 192(C) (1) PC- Gross Vehicular Manslaughter (Booking No. 6699773). His bail amount was set to $50,000.00.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Chavarria, Serial No. 37560 or Detective Moreno, Serial No. 32013, South Traffic Division at 323-421-2500. During nonbusiness hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to the South Traffic Watch Commander at 323-421-2577 or contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.