Man in Wheelchair Killed in San Fernando Valley Hit-and-Run Identified

A 40-year-old man in a wheelchair was struck and killed in a hit-and-run in the San Fernando Valley on Friday night, officials said.

The victim was identified as Manuel DeJesus Segovia Gonzalez of Pacoima, acording to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was on his way home.

The crash was reported about 8 p.m. near Cayuga Avenue and Terra Bella Street in Pacoima. Gonzalez was not in the crosswalk when he was hit and dragged for about 100 feet, police said.

Officials said the driver left Gonzalez in the middle of the street and drove away.

Gonzalez was taken to Holy Cross hospital and pronounced dead.

The driver may have been in a maroon SUV or pickup truck.

The victim’s brother is asking the driver to surrender to police.

Gonzalez's family said he was a father and the oldest of five siblings.

“He was just crossing the street, no one deserves to die like that,” said neighbor Claudia Salinas, who heard the loud crash.

Neighbors said cars routinely race through this stretch of Terra Bella Street because it has only one traffic light for nearly half a mile. They fear another deadly hit-and-run crash could happen again if the city doesn't take action putting in another signal light or speed bump.

Tougher penalties for hit-and-run drivers was the focus of Bill 2337, authored by Assemblyman Eric Linder. On thursday Gov. Jerry Brown declined to sign it, saying current penalties are already strong enough.

“I think that people are still going to run regardless of the law because people are afraid of the consequences,” Salinas said.

Police are continuing to look for suspects in the crash that killed Gonzalez. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-527-3247.

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