At the end of April, a Latino older adult from 75 years old died when he was struck by a hit-and-run SUV in events that occurred in south central Los Angeles.
The authorities are asking the community for their support to find the responsible driver; and offer a reward of $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to identification, arrest and conviction of the suspect.
The incident occurred on 38 April at 9: 15 at night when the driver of a speeding SUV made a left turn onto Trinity Street from 41 Place, close of the Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the car crashed into the elderly man, and the driver did not stop or help the victim and continued driving.
The victim was taken to the hospital, but was eventually pronounced dead. He was identified as Héctor Castro Hirales, a resident of Los Angeles, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
A video given to Know by the police shows the moment before the crash, in which the driver stops briefly and then hits and drags the older adult.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Officer J. Mendoza at 100-640- 3713 or write to 32010@lapd.online. You may also contact Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at 213-853-3746 during weekends and outside working hours.
In an interview for KTLA television, Vanessa Ashley Aranda, the victim’s granddaughter, said that her grandfather was on his way home after visiting some friends in the park, when he was run over.
Survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
“I had 75 years old but was very active and very good with children. Everyone in the neighborhood knew and loved him.”
He said that this senseless crime has broken his family, but it has also brought them together to realize that life is very short.
“In the blink of an eye, anything can happen,” said Aranda.
“I want to believe in my heart that there is not a person in this world who is so cruel and evil that she can live with something like that. My heart tells me that this person is also struggling”.
According to LAPD statistics, in the city of Los Angeles, incidents in which a person is killed by a hit and run have increased 10%; and 5% those in which they are injured.
However, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), reported between 2020 and mid 2021, an increase of 25% on hit and runs with fatal results; and of 20% of injury incidents.
Although Los Angeles is a dangerous city for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, the number of fatalities have increased in certain areas including South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
The police need your help to find the whereabouts of the driver who took the life of Héctor Castro. (Courtesy Miguel Velásquez)How to protect yourself from a hit and run?
Attorney Paul Pimentel of the law firm Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian gave the following tips to protect ourselves from a hit and run accident.
– If you are walking or riding a bike, make sure you stay in well-lit areas at all times.
– Try to avoid going out at night, as hit and run accidents are more common at night when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– If you go out at night, be sure to wear bright colors and reflectors so others can see you.
– Pedestrians should stay on the sidewalks, but if nothing is available, walk as close to the edge of the road as possible.
Added in an article published on the law firm’s website that drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can reduce the risk of being injured in a hit and run by remaining aware of their surroundings, even when it appears that no one is in the way.
Contends that it is convenient not to use the cell phone or take your attention off the road; and pay attention to your surroundings so you can react quickly to changes in the environment.
Hit-and-run accidents, he said, are more common on parts of the road with sharp curves because it is difficult for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.
And he stated that anyone can be involved in a hit and run, but studies show that many people who flee the scene are young drivers with a history of driving under the influence or driving recklessly.
Miguel Velásquez, manager of the Mid-City St. Barnabas Senior Services Center in the city of Los Angeles, live home i in front of the corner where Héctor Castro lost his life. “He was the grandfather of a classmate of my son Miguel’s school. So his death has been a very hard blow for everyone. Even my son was very impressed. He was a well-liked grandfather in the community. He was affectionately nicknamed “Mustache”. He used to go and meet his friends near Lindsey Park on San Pedro Street. He pointed out that unfortunately in south central Los Angeles, cars travel at high speeds, there is a lot of lack of respect from drivers towards pedestrians and they even burn tires at intersections. “This type of problem has increased since the pandemic. The police do their part, but they can’t handle everything”. He considered that the elderly are very exposed to being victims of hit and runs because they don’t have the same reflexes as a younger person. “Many older adults have low vision and mobility problems; sometimes they don’t hear well or are under the influence of the drugs they take, which makes them a little slower to react. All this makes them more vulnerable to being victims of hit and run accidents when they go out for a walk”. Velásquez recommended that the relatives of older adults not let them go out alone night, and if they do, ask them to join them. “In St Barnabas we will be in the coming weeks, giving some courses to teach our community of older adults how to protect themselves from traffic accidents when they go for a walk”. 
A very dear grandfather