Los Angeles, Ca
2 pedestrians severely injured in Koreatown hit-and-run crash
A suspect remains at large after two pedestrians were left severely injured in a hit-and-run crash in L.A.’s Koreatown neighborhood.
The victims, a 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, did not wish to be identified but spoke to KTLA about the collision.
On Nov. 18, the two friends were walking to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner. They crossed the road near Western Avenue at Monette Avenue, outside of a crosswalk, at around 8:37 p.m.
Dashcam video from a nearby bus showed the pair waiting in a center divider lane as cars passed them by on the busy road.
That’s when the suspect, in a Toyota Camry, crashed into them, violently shoving the pair onto the vehicle’s hood before they fell off. The driver sped away and left the injured victims lying on the road.
Both pedestrians were transported to the hospital for treatment. They suffered serious injuries from the collision including internal bleeding and broken bones. Both said they were lucky to be alive.
“Once [the car] struck us, I remember just holding my head because it was so painful,” the female victim said tearfully. “I looked up at the sky and thought, ‘Is this what heaven looks like?’ I’m just lucky I came out of it as normal as possible.”
“The first thing I remember, when I was able to get up, was the bus driver saying, ‘He got away!’” the male victim recalled.
The female victim was eventually moved to a rehabilitation center where she remains in a neck brace. She suffered internal bleeding, her foot was broken in two places and she experiences a constant, throbbing headache.
“I’m feeling a bunch of different emotions every day, “ the male victim said. “Physical pain, mental emotions and just a bunch of ‘What ifs?’ and ‘What could’ve happened?’”
The suspect’s vehicle is described as a gray 2018-2024 Toyota Camry sedan. Police said there may be damage on the driver’s side where the impact occurred.
The friends said they hope the driver will be caught soon before another pedestrian is injured or killed.
“If it’s not me, it’ll be someone else tomorrow,” said the female victim.
A reward of up to $50,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the suspect’s identification, apprehension and conviction
“Motorists are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves,” police said.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call LAPD Detective II Holmes at 213-473-0238. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
Los Angeles, Ca
Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor
A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.
Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.
He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.
At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota.
She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.
Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.
“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.
In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.
On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.
“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”
Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
Los Angeles, Ca
Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA
The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]
Los Angeles, Ca
Woman ambushed, violently attacked by robber in downtown Long Beach
A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]
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