Reward Offered in Glendale Fatal Hit and Run Collision

The city of Glendale is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run driver whose vehicle struck and killed Martiros Arutyunyan, 81. According to a news report in The Glendale News-Press, Arutyunyan was legally crossing Broadway from Belmont Street the night of April 16, 2016 when a white Toyota Camry struck him.

Driver Fled the Scene

The driver, a woman, failed to stop and fled east on Broadway. Arutyunyan was transported to an area hospital with head injuries. He died from his injuries. Glendale police released surveillance footage of the car and driver sought in connection with the hit-and-run crash. Officials say the collision might have caused damage to the car’s headlight, front bumper hood and windshield. Anyone with information about the driver is asked to call Glendale police at (818) 548-4911.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Martiros Arutyunyan. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver in this case not only struck and killed the pedestrian, but fled the scene of the crash without even stopping to help the elderly man. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists who are involved in a collision are required to stop immediately, wait at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange pertinent information with all parties involved and most importantly, assist the injured victim. In this particular case, the driver did none of the above, but simply sped away, leaving the victim exposed to further injury and harm. Outrageous!

Holding Drivers Accountable

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled hit-and-run cases. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the driver has not been found or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.