NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 17-year-old pedestrian died after an SUV plowed into him as he was crossing a street in North Hollywood Wednesday.
Authorities say the hit-and-run happened in the 7000 block of Whitsett Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. The SUV, possibly a Cadillac Escalade, was passing other vehicles in a two-way left turn lane when it struck the teen, identified as Milton Marquez, police said. The suspect fled the scene immediately.
The victim was with his brother, Daniel Menjibar, at the time, but he was not injured. Police say they were jaywalking at the time of the incident.
"We were going to a pharmacy, and on the way back over here, we were crossing the street when these cars were accelerating," Daniel Menjibar said. "They were racing."
Investigators are looking into whether street racing was involved.
"I looked back and he was gone. It was like he disappeared," Daniel Menjibar said. "I was looking for him and the car took him all the way far, it dragged him."
Several people were witnessed Thursday crossing the street at the same spot where Menjibar and his brother crossed. There are no crosswalks for a very long stretch, which is also across the street from a park.
Neighbors say there have been several serious accidents involving speeding vehicles in the past few months, and they want something done.
"It's getting ridiculous because how many bodies do we have to have on our street for the city council or whoever, the powers that be, that can do anything to change the speed limit around here?" said neighbor Kevin Jackson, who recently helped a 10-year-old out of the street after being hit by a car.
Eyewitness News reached out to Councilman Paul Krekorian's office. Officials said they have started the process of putting up a traffic light in the area, but that could take a while. They also said police patrol the area to watch out for speeders.
The family is urging anyone with information about the suspect to come forward. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
"They just took off," Daniel Menjibar said. "It hurt me seeing my brother there. I love my little brother."