LAPD seeks help in finding fatal hit-and run driver

Wave Wire Services

SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Police hoping to identify a hit-and-run driver have released video of a fatal crash 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 69th Street near Central Avenue 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.

Mayor Karen Bass announced a $50,000 reward Oct. 8 for information leading to the identification of the driver who fled the 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,” Bass added. “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 Oct. 9 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 whizzed by, he appeared to wave a white bag he was carrying to signal oncoming vehicles, but the blue sedan ran him over and was 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 is 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 800-222-8477.