89-year-old woman killed in hit-and-run crash in Watts, search underway for driver

WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An 89-year-old woman is dead after a hit-and-run crash in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts.

The incident happened just after 11 p.m. Thursday near the area of 109th Street and Central Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Surveillance cameras from the market right in front of the scene captured the moment on video.

Authorities say the woman, who family identified as Marie Alexander, was struck by a dark-colored Chevrolet vehicle as she tried to cross the street. The driver did not stop.

"Whoever is out there, I need you to know you took somebody very, very special to us," an emotional Angela Hicks, the victim's niece, told Eyewitness News. "She has family and we love her, and we're not going to let this go."

Family members describe Alexander as a very loving woman and an ambassador to their family.

"We're going to keep looking on for who did this to her... She was somebody to our family, and we love her and we will keep seeking justice," Hicks said.

The owners of the market near the crash scene say it's a dangerous area for pedestrians and there's an issue with lighting on the street.

"Lately, especially lately, it's been really dark. There's no lights and there's constantly hit-and-runs, car crashes. It's a dangerous street," said Valeria Cordero.

Owners of the market ran outside after hearing a loud crashing noise and found the woman on the ground. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

They say there was a similar accident just yards away only three days ago.

"We have car crashes here all the time so I knew a car crash or something happened," Cordero added.

Billy Bickford, a resident in the area, says he often sees what happens on the street from his balcony.

"This is a drag strip. They race from red light to red light," he said.

A search is underway for the driver, but authorities are asking for anybody with information about the suspect to contact detectives at (323) 421-2500 or (877) 527-3247. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered.

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