The search continues for the driver who struck and killed a 46-year-old father in downtown Los Angeles, the family on Sunday is pleading for help finding the suspect.
via: People
The family of a 46-year-old Los Angeles man is pleading for help after he was hit and killed by a carjacking suspect on Saturday.
Branden Finley was riding his bicycle in the area of 7th Street and Olive Street in downtown Los Angeles when he was hit from behind, according to the L.A. Police Department’s Central Traffic Division.
The father of two landed on the hood of the truck, and the suspect, who police said had stolen the pickup truck he was driving, did not stop.
Branden fell off the hood of the truck about 150 feet from where he was hit, and bystanders tried to help him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The suspect eventually was involved in a second crash with two vehicles and fled the scene on foot, according to police.
Branden’s family is now asking for any information that could lead to identifying the person who hit him.
“I’m not okay unless that killer is found,” his daughter, Koi Finley, told KTLA. “I just turned 18, I just needed more time with my dad and I’m just disappointed that that time got taken away from me.”
A friend of the family has also set up a GoFundMe to “honor his life.”
“Branden Finley was my best friend, my rock, my heart and soul,” wrote organizer Angie Gonzalez. “He was tragically taken from us yesterday, leaving an indescribable void. He was deeply loved, celebrated, and will be grieved for the rest of our lives.”
A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Police described the suspect as a male who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and about 150 to 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing black pants and was barefoot.
According to police, the suspect may also have injuries to his head from hitting the windshield during the second collision.
The GoFundMe set up to help pay for Brandon’s funeral and to support his daughter’s Koi and Colbi Finley has so far raised just over $20,000 of its $30,000 goal.
Anyone with information on the hit-and-run driver is asked to call LAPD Detective Juan Campos at 213- 833-3713 or email [email protected]. During weekends and off-hours, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Those who prefer to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
