Driver Sought In Fatal Diamond Bar Hit-And-Run Crash

DIAMOND BAR, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department asked for the public's help in finding the driver of a car that struck and killed a 72-year-old man who was out for a walk in Diamond Bar the night of July 4.

Bruce Bodel was crossing Lycoming Street from Penarth Avenue around 10:30 p.m. when the car failed to stop for him and struck him, sheriff's officials said in a news conference Monday. The car continued to travel west on Lycoming Street before going south on Lemon Avenue.

Bodel died several days later from injuries he received in the collision.

“The suspect driving the vehicle never showed any compassion for his actions and immediately left the scene without checking on Bruce,” Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

The car was described as a two-door silver sedan with significant damage on its front end, including a cracked windshield, sheriff's officials said.

Bodel's niece, Jessica Bodel, said her family was devastated by her uncle’s death and pleaded with anyone with additional information or security camera footage from that night to come forward.

She described her uncle as the kind of person who would “never hurt a fly” and always “enjoyed going out into the community and supporting it in every way he could.”

“Anybody who can help bring my uncle justice would be greatly appreciated,” Jessica Bodel said.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station at 909-859-2817. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or its website.