Pacoima, California (January 30, 2026) — A Friday evening hit-and-run in Pacoima claimed the life of Thelma Moreno, 75, after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Van Nuys Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The driver fled the scene, leaving Moreno fatally injured in the roadway.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. near the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Glenoaks Boulevard. LAPD said Moreno was crossing the street when she was struck by a black Dodge Durango traveling eastbound on Van Nuys Boulevard.
Instead of stopping to render aid, the driver continued eastbound and fled the area. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene but were unable to save Moreno, who was pronounced dead at the location. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified the victim as Thelma Moreno.
As of the latest reporting, the suspect vehicle and driver have not been located.
Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a fatal hit-and-run. For pedestrian collisions in early evening, investigators examine traffic signals, pedestrian right-of-way, visibility, and driver attentiveness. Detectives will review scene evidence, like debris and paint transfer, to confirm the vehicle’s involvement and trajectory. Since the suspect vehicle was a black Dodge Durango, they will focus on similar vehicles in the area with front-end damage consistent with a pedestrian strike.
Authorities may also canvass nearby businesses and residences for surveillance footage along Van Nuys and Glenoaks boulevards to track the Durango’s movement before and after the collision. Witness statements remain critical, particularly from drivers or pedestrians who may have seen the crash or the vehicle fleeing the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing. To encourage tips, the city is offering a standing reward of up to $50,000 through the Los Angeles Administrative Code’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the driver.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death is a felony with serious penalties. If identified, the driver could face charges like felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. Pedestrian deaths highlight issues such as roadway design, crosswalks, lighting, and traffic speeds, especially on major roads like Van Nuys Boulevard. Civil investigations consider whether better infrastructure or traffic-calming measures could have prevented such accidents.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Moreno family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim, which may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional loss suffered by surviving family members. When a driver flees and is not immediately identified, families may also explore claims through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Thelma Moreno as they cope with this tragic and needless loss.
Source: CBS News Los Angeles