81-year-old man fatally struck in Glendale hit-and-run; female suspect sought

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Police are asking for the public's help in finding a hit-and-run driver accused of fatally striking an 81-year-old man in Glendale.

Glendale police said the elderly man, identified as Martiros Arutyunyan, was crossing Broadway Boulevard at the intersection of Belmont Street around 8 p.m. Saturday night when he was struck by what is only described as a new model white sedan.

The suspect vehicle, which police said was driven by a female suspect, then fled the scene.

Witnesses captured the drama on camera as police rushed to help the elderly grandfather. Arutyunyan sustained head injuries and later died at the hospital, according to police.

The victim's family was devastated and desperate to find the hit-and-run driver who ran down the beloved man.

"It's very, very hard. You can't imagine to lose a dad. Very hard. I can't believe it. He's gone," his daughter, Rubina Arutyunyan cried.

Arutyunyan was well known in the neighborhood as residents said he was always out for a walk, greeting everyone he saw.

Investigators said they are hoping to find surveillance footage that will help capture the suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information on the crash or the suspect was urged to call the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911. Witnesses may remain anonymous.