Pedestrian killed in Panorama City hit-and-run; suspect in custody

PANORAMA CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man is in custody over a fatal hit-and-run after allegedly attempting to flee before his vehicle became disabled in Panorama City Tuesday morning, police say.

The crash happened just before 6 a.m. in the area of Roscoe Boulevard and Ventura Canyon Avenue. Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division officials said the pedestrian, a man believed to be in his 50s or 60s, was crossing the street when he was hit by a white van. He died at the scene.

The suspect behind the wheel fled the scene until his vehicle became disabled near Woodman Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard, about a one block from the crash site, authorities said.

LAPD officers and FBI officials working an unrelated case nearby witnessed the hit-and-run, rendered aid to the victim and chased down the suspect when the vehicle stopped.

"They called the paramedics. The paramedics came in. Unfortunately, they couldn't do anything for this pedestrian because of the violent impact of the traffic collision," said LAPD Detective Bill Bustos.

The suspect was questioned at the scene and put in handcuffs.