A young male pedestrian was struck and killed early Monday by a driver who dragged his body for 100 feet before driving away, according to various news reports.
It is not clear exactly where the victim was hit, but police told the Los Angeles Times his body was found near the intersection of East César Chávez Avenue and North Chicago Street shortly after 12:30 a.m. Authorities believe the driver was westbound on César Chávez when he hit the pedestrian and turned northbound onto Chicago, dragging the victim for about 100 feet before his body was dislodged from the vehicle.
The victim was taken to LAC+USC where he was pronounced dead. Although authorities only said it was a male in his early 20s, but KABC is reporting that his family has identified him as True Cowan.
Police, who had no description of the driver, said they were canvassing the area Monday morning trying to find witnesses and security video from businesses in the area. According to KABC, police are searching for a vehicle that may have damage to the left front and undercarriage parts.
Monday’s fatal accident is the third hit-and-run reported in Boyle Heights in the last three months. A young mother was struck and killed January 30 on Boyle Avenue, north of Whittier. And in December, a 70-year-old nun was killed by a driver as she crossed North Evergreen Avenue near the Church of the Assumption where she worked.
In a recent story about the Great Streets initiative, BHB journalist Samantha Olmos reported that César Chávez has a higher rate of accidents involving cars, pedestrian and bicyclists than similar streets in Los Angeles. A major artery in what is considered the heart of Boyle Heights, the street has been undergoing safety improvements as part of various city initiatives.
Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with information on the incident should call the Los Angeles Police Department at (877)527-3247.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has set up a memorial fund to pay for Cowan’s funeral.
This story was updated to add the victim’s name and memorial fund information.
