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.