LAPD seeks driver in fatal hit-and-run in Van Nuys

Authorities identified the victim of a hit-and-run Friday night as Peter Escalante of Van Nuys.

Escalante, 55, died Friday after being struck while walking along Oxnard Street in Van Nuys. It was the second fatal hit and run in Los Angeles in two weeks.

A “dark vehicle”, as described by Los Angeles police, struck Escalante around 10:15 p.m. The driver accelerated west on Oxnard Street.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced Escalante dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity Saturday night.

Investigators are also looking for the driver involved in the death of Kyle Ray, 32, of Los Angeles.

On January 23 at approximately 7:25 p.m., Ray “was in possibly medical distress and passed out in the number two westbound lane of 6th Street, west of Bonnie Brae,” the department said. Investigators say a blue Dodge Ram truck traveling west on 6th Street knocked Ray down and dragged him 20 feet. The 2007 to 2013 Dodge Ram had custom lights and rims, and the bed came with a stand.

Video of this crash can be seen on YouTube (LAPD Central Traffic), Twitter (@LAPDCTD24) and Instagram (@LAPD_CTD_24).

Police said the law requires drivers involved in a collision to pull over and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services and remain at the scene to identify themselves .

A reward of up to $50,000 is offered to community members who provide information leading to the identification, arrest or conviction of a getaway driver.

Anyone with information about Friday’s incident can contact the Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8036 or (818) 644-8035. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also visit www.lapdonline.org.