LAPD Looking For Fatal Hit-and-Run Suspect

By City News Service

Police on Saturday sought the public's help in identifying a driver who left the scene after fatally striking a pedestrian in Hollywood.

The crash occurred about 3:10 a.m. Friday in the 6700 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, east of Highland Avenue, according to Officer Raymond
Kim of the Los Angeles Police Department's West Traffic Division.

Keymontae Mackenzie, 22, died at the scene, police said. Police and the coroner's office identified the victim as a man, but friends described Mackenzie as a transgender woman.

Mackenzie was struck after stepping off the curb, police said.

The hit-and-run vehicle, described as a light-colored, older-model Ford Thunderbird, continued east on Santa Monica Boulevard and did not stop.

The fatal crash came on the same day Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino proposed the city offer a standing $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of drivers in deadly hit-and-run crashes.

He also wants the statute of limitations for such crimes extended.

Anyone with information regarding the fatality was urged to call the West Traffic Division detective handling the case at (213) 473-0234. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS, online at
www.lapdonline.org (click on "webtips'') or by texting information to 274637, (which spells “crimes'' on most cell phone keypads).