Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision Leaves Pedestrian Dead
October 12, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that detectives from the Central Traffic Division are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in a hit-and-run traffic collision that killed an 83-year-old man.
On September 30, 2026, around 8:43 p.m., the victim was walking eastbound on Central Avenue near 69th Street, outside of the marked crosswalk, when he was struck by a dark blue, four-door sedan traveling southbound on Central Avenue. The driver of the sedan fled the scene without stopping to render aid or identify themselves as required by law.
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim deceased at scene.
The victim has been identified as 83-year-old Los Angeles resident Akil Saud Batanikhalfani.
Detectives have released video footage of the incident. The video can be seen here: www.lapdonline.org.
Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.
On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to community members that provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.
If anyone has information regarding the vehicle, please contact Investigator A. Leon, Central Traffic Detectives, at (213) 833-3713 or e-mail: 42943@lapd.online or call Central Traffic Division Watch Commander at (213) 833-3746. During weekends and off-hours calls should be directed to the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). For anonymous calls please call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit: www.lacrimestoppers.org, or Tipsters: www.lapdonline.org.
Source: Los Angeles Police Department
