Fifteen Year Old In Critical Condition After Being Dragged 1,500 Feet By A Hit-And-Run Driver In LA

Authorities are currently searching for the driver responsible for the hit-and-run of a 15 year old boy in South Central LA.

The boy, identified as Roberto Diaz, was just leaving a store on his bike, where a car ran a stop sign and struck him.

He is currently in grave condition at a local hospital.

KTLA Reports:

A 15-year-old boy is in the hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Historic South-Central neighborhood of South Los Angeles Tuesday night.

Police received a report of a pedestrian being struck on Maple Avenue near East 37th Street just before 9 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Detective Moses Castillo said.

Arriving officers found the badly injured teen down near the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The victim, later identified as Roberto Diaz, was dragged about 1,500 feet before his body was dislodged from the vehicle, Castillo said.

Diaz had just exited a nearby store after buying a soda and was riding his bike in a crosswalk when he was struck by a driver who apparently ran a stop sign, Castillo said.

Diaz was hospitalized with “very severe” injuries, Castillo said. “We’re praying and hoping for the best, but it looks pretty grave,” he said.

The vehicle that struck Diaz stopped momentarily when followed by witnesses but eventually fled the scene.

The car was described as a 2007 to 2008 dark blue Honda Accord or Civic with tinted windows.

The vehicle likely has extensive damage to the front end, Castillo said.

No description of the driver was available.

Belen Garcia said her son has been undergoing surgery and she has not been able to see him.

Through her tears, she sent a message to the driver involved.

“My message for the driver is to turn yourself in … you just left him there to die,” Garcia said.

Let us please keep Roberto in our prayers as he continue to fight for his life. This is so heart-breaking that someone would hit an innocent 15 year old boy and leave him there. Hopefully justice will be served. If you have any tips that can help with this developing story, please contact the LAPD.

And now you’re officially in the KNOW!