Feb. 15--Police were searching for a driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Boyle Heights early Monday and fled the scene after dragging the victim's body with the vehicle, authorities said.
A 24-year-old man was struck and killed while crossing Cesar E. Chavez Avenue near Chicago Street at about 12:20 a.m. Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. The type of vehicle was unknown, authorities said.
The victim's body was dragged underneath the vehicle for more than 100 feet and dislodged after the driver pulled into a driveway behind a Chicago Street business, according to the LAPD. The driver then backed out of the driveway and fled northbound on Chicago Street, authorities said.
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The victim sustained blunt-force-trauma injuries and was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, said Sgt. John Porras of the LAPD's Hollenbeck Station. The man, who has not been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at 12:41 a.m., "despite lifesaving efforts," the LAPD said.
The vehicle possibly has damage on its left front side and undercarriage, authorities said.
Police were canvassing the area early Monday, trying to find witnesses and security video from nearby businesses, Porras said. There was no description of the driver, he said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the LAPD Central Traffic Division at 213-833-3713 or the division's watch commander at 213-833-3746. Anonymous tips can be called in to 800-222-8477.
hailey.branson@latimes.com
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