Police hoping to identify a hit-and-run driver released video Friday of a fatal crash in South Los Angeles that took the life of an 83-year-old pedestrian.
Akil Saud Batani-Khalfani, of Los Angeles was known in the area as “Bird.” He was walking east on Central Avenue near 69th Street and was outside a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a dark blue, four-door sedan traveling south at about 8:43 p.m. Sept. 30, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Thursday announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the driver who fled scene, leaving the gravely injured octogenarian to die in the street.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced Batani-Khalfani dead at the scene.
“No one deserves to die in this manner and Bird’s tragic death is heartbreaking,” Bass said. “He was an elder, a father of 15, a grandfather of 43, community advocate and community historian who dedicated his life to our young people. His loss is felt by his family and the many people whose lives he touched. My heart is with his children, grandchildren and loved ones as they mourn this devastating loss.
“Every Angeleno deserves to be safe on our streets. We are working to determine what additional safety measures may be needed near Central Avenue and 69th Street and will continue taking action to protect lives and prevent another family from experiencing this kind of tragedy.”
The LAPD’s Central Traffic Division was investigating the collision and seeking information about the driver and vehicle.
The video released Friday shows Batani-Khalfani staggering across the darkened four lane roadway before stumbling backward and falling down in a traffic lane as he nears the center line. As cars whiz by, he appears to wave a white bag he was carrying to signal oncoming vehicles, but the blue sedan runs him over and is then seen making a left turn onto 71st Street.
The reward is available for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the driver, or resolution through a civil compromise, under the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program.
Anyone with information was urged to call Central Traffic Division Investigator A. Leon at 213-833-3713 or the division’s watch commander at 213-833-3746. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.