North Hollywood fatal hit-run victim leaves behind 3 children

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police are looking for a suspect following a hit-and-run crash that killed a 48-year-old woman in North Hollywood on Saturday.

The incident happened near the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Valerio Street at about 2:15 a.m.

Authorities said the driver of a white Mercedes-Benz struck Ofelia Salazar, who was believed to be homeless. She was pushing a shopping cart across the street and collecting cans at the time of the crash.

The driver never stopped. Investigators said the car was seen traveling northbound on Lankershim Boulevard.

Salazar leaves behind two daughters, 20 and 17, and a 4-year-old son. She battled alcohol addiction and lived on the street, leaving her children in foster care.

"It's really difficult, because me and my sister we really need the help," daughter Genesis Salazar said. Both daughters collected donations at a makeshift memorial at the scene of the accident to pay for their mother's burial.

The incident remained under investigation.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective W. Bustos at (818) 644-8031, Detective Fajardo at (818) 644-8033, or Officer Marvin Jones at (818) 644-8040

City News Service contributed to this report.