Crime & Safety

Father Of 2 Dies In Silver Lake Hit & Run

A 34-year-old man left in a coma after being struck by a hit and run driver in Silver Lake has succumbed to his injuries.

LOS ANGELES, CA- A 34-year-old man died of injuries he suffered when the scooter on which he was a passenger was struck in a hit-and-run collision in Silver Lake, police said Tuesday.

Esdras Velasquez was left in a coma after being injured about 8:55 p.m. last Tuesday at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Waverly Drive, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A gray 2019 BMW 5 Series sedan struck the rear of the moped-type scooter as the car approached the intersection, police said.

Find out what's happening in Echo Park-Silver Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Bystanders called for paramedics and Velasquez was taken to a hospital, where he had been in a coma, according to the LAPD.

Velasquez was pronounced dead about 11 p.m. Monday.

Find out what's happening in Echo Park-Silver Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Surveillance video shows the BMW dragging the scooter, then backing up and briefly stopping before leaving the scene.

It was unclear if the operator or Velasquez were wearing helmets.

According to ABC7, Velasquez was a father of two.

The driver of the BMW was described as a 35- to 40-year-old, heavy-set man with a beard and dark features. There was a female in the front passenger seat, police said.

"Detectives are trying to determine if there are additional witnesses with cellphone video or any information that will identify and assist with locating the suspected driver the BMW," according to the LAPD.

Anyone with video or information that could help investigators find the driver was urged to call Detective Moses Castillo of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division at (213) 833-3713 or email him at 30215@lapd.online.

After-hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) 222- TIPS. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service; Image: Youtube Screengrab

More from Echo Park-Silver Lake