Reseda Teenage Killed in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in Canoga Park
CANOGA PARK - Police are working to find a hit-and-run motorist who fled the scene after striking a 17-year-old boy Wednesday night in Canoga Park. The victim, German Alex Romero, of Reseda, was riding his bicycle with a friend on northbound De Soto Avenue near Valerio Street, when he was struck from behind by a vehicle at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Romero, a senior at Chatsworth High School, died at the scene of the crash; his friend was not injured.
The suspect vehicle was believed to be a gray Toyota Corolla hatchback with likely significant front-end damage on the right side. Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Traffic Division Detective Krajchir at (818) 644-8034, or Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8032. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
Any driver involved in an accident involving injury or death must immediately stop, under the California Vehicle Code ยง 20001, which states "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."
When a hit and run accident such as this one results in death, the driver, once located, is usually charged with a felony. A hit and run felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident." Additionally, the family members of the young victim may also file a civil California wrongful death claim against the driver, and any other responsible parties.
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