WILMINGTON, Calif.—Police asked for the public’s help July 4 to find the driver of an SUV that fatally struck a 36-year-old man who was lighting fireworks on a Wilmington street.
The victim was identified July 5 as Juan Jose Areyan of Wilmington, according to the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.
Paramedics were called shortly after 9:10 p.m. Monday to the 700 block of North Fries Avenue near West G Street, just south of Anaheim Street, according to spokesman Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
An SUV was traveling north on Fries from G Street at a high rate of speed and struck the pedestrian, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
He was dragged approximately 85 feet before becoming dislodged from the undercarriage of the SUV and getting hit by a second vehicle, the driver of which remained at the scene.
The driver of the SUV fled north on Fries Avenue without stopping and rendering aid as required by law, police said.
Paramedics pronounced Areyan dead at the scene.
A reward of up to $50,000 is available to residents who provide information leading to an identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise in a fatal hit-and-run.
Anyone with information about the fatal accident was urged to contact Detective Ryan Moreno at 323-421- 2500. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to the watch commander at 323-421-2577, or 877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
