A driver is accused of causing a crash that killed a 2-month-old baby and severely injured the mother in Northridge earlier this week, police said Friday.
The incident happened near Roscoe Boulevard and Louise Avenue at around 3:10 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Officials say a white 2025 Toyota Crown had a green light and was going eastbound on Roscoe, while a silver sedan was trying to make a left turn from eastbound Roscoe onto southbound Louise. After the sedan turned, a white pickup truck behind it turned without yielding to oncoming traffic, the LAPD said.
To avoid hitting the truck, the driver of the Toyota Crown swerved left into oncoming traffic, lost control and crashed head-on into a white 2017 Toyota Prius, according to the department.
Three people were inside the Prius — the driver, a 20-year-old mother and her 2-month-old, police said. All three were severely injured and taken to the hospital, where the baby died. Officials say the mother was in grave condition as of Friday.
The LAPD said the Toyota Crown driver stayed at the scene, but the pickup driver didn’t stop, provide their information or help the victims, all of which are required by law.
“Driving in a manner that causes someone to lose control that results in a collision is considered a non-contact collision,” the department said in a news release, adding, “fleeing the scene is considered a crime.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Hansen at 818-644-8255 or Detective Martinez at 818-644-8033. CrimeStoppers at 800-222-8477 is also an option for those who wish to remain anonymous.
A reward of up to $50,000 may be available through the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund for information leading to a conviction.