Police are searching for a driver who fled the scene after striking two teenage siblings in a deadly hit-and-run in Los Angeles’ Hyde Park neighborhood Tuesday night, killing a 16-year-old boy and leaving his younger sister critically injured.
The crash happened at about 9:30 p.m. near West 60th Street and South 10th Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The siblings were walking with their mother when they were struck by a blue Nissan traveling eastbound on 60th Street.
Authorities said the vehicle hit both teenagers before crashing into a parked car. The 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while his sister was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said the mother was not struck.
Video from the area captured the moments surrounding the collision and appeared to show the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash. Investigators are also examining whether the driver ran a stop sign immediately before striking the siblings.
The occupants of the Nissan did not remain at the scene. Police said a female driver and male passenger got out of the damaged vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the car behind. Investigators have not publicly identified either person.
The victim’s family had reportedly moved into the neighborhood only about a week earlier. His brother, Eliseo Martinez, told KTLA that the family had been returning home after picking up a prescription when the tragedy occurred.
Eliseo described his younger brother as exceptionally bright, talented and kind.
“He was the smartest kid you’ve ever met,” Eliseo said, describing Hernan as a sweet child who listened to his mother.
The family is now facing the loss of a teenager whose life was cut short while walking home with his mother and sister.
Eliseo also described the difficult hours that followed the crash, saying his mother remained with Hernan until the coroner arrived while he stayed at the hospital with his injured sister.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the vehicle’s speed and the actions of the people who fled. The disabled Nissan left at the scene is expected to be an important piece of evidence as detectives work to identify the driver and passenger.
Anyone with information about the crash or the identities of the people who fled is being urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
