LAPD: Possible Hit-Run Motorist Comes Forward, Released Pending Investigation

LOS ANGELES–A man possibly responsible for the hit-and-run injury of a restaurant worker on a moped in the downtown Los Angeles area brought the car believed to have been involved in the crash to a police facility Aug. 25, and was released pending further investigation, authorities said.

The man, who was not arrested, went to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division facility downtown at about 11: 45 a.m. Thursday with a blue Mini Cooper believed involved in last week’s crash, LAPD Detective Juan Campos told City News Service.

“On advice from his attorney, he didn’t make any statement,” Campos stated. He was granted his release .”

Campos stated that the man was “a registered owner of the vehicle, which suffered collision damage and was impounded. Campos stated that the man was present with his family, but not his lawyer.

Miguel Velazquez, 20, was struck from behind at about 12: 35 a.m. Aug. 14 while stopped on his moped at a traffic signal at Third and Flower streets, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

Security footage of the collision shows Velazquez stopping at a red light. A car described as a blue Mini Cooper, with sunroof and an engine, approached westbound Third Street. It smashed into the scooter from behind and sent the rider and small scooter flying.

” Just as I was making a turn, he hit me and broke one of my wrists. My tailbone was badly bruised.” Velazquez explained to ABC7 that he was returning from work that day. “I broke my wrist when I hit it, while breaking the other. My tailbone was severely bruised .”

The driver of Mini Cooper stopped at an intersection briefly, and then drove off.

Velazquez said to reporters that three witnesses helped him get to the curb and others followed him.

Police stated that a witness took video of the driver fleeing from the scene.

” The video shows a Toyota Prius flashing front headlights while it follows the Mini Cooper northbound along Beaudry Street,” police stated. The driver of the Prius may also have information about the Mini Cooper .

A standing reward of up to $25,000 has been offered by the city of Los Angeles for information that helps solve a non-fatal hit and run.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to contact detectives at 213-833-3713 or via email at [email protected]. Tipsters may also call police at 877-527-3247, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS; or use the website.

The driver of the Mini Cooper was described by police as a man in his 40s with black hair.

Velazquez stated to Channel 7 that he could “look up at the driver and make eye contact after being struck.” His concern was primarily for him and not my safety .”

Velazquez stated that he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles only recently. He thanked the people who helped him and expressed gratitude that he was still alive.

A GoFundMe page was established to help pay for Velazquez’s medical and living costs while he recovers.