$25k reward offered to trace LA hit-and-run driver who left cyclist with horrific injuries

A $25,000 reward has been offered in Los Angeles, California, for information that helps track down a hit-and-run motorist who dragged a cyclist for 200 yards in one of the city’s parks, leaving him with severe injuries that led to one of his legs having to be amputated.

Damian Kevitt suffered 20 broken bones after being dragged for 600 feet onto a freeway ramp by the vehicle during the incident, which took place in Griffith Park on the morning of Sunday February 17, reports CBS Los Angeles.

The severity of his injuries was such that doctors had to amputate his right leg below the knee, and there is a risk that they may also have to amputate his left foot. He will also need skin grafts to his buttocks, and his left elbow was cut to the bone, said Justin Hager, who has organised the leafleting.

Volunteers were due to hand out leaflets yesterday at the park – the largest municipal park in the United States – in a bid to track down the vehicle involved, believed to be a minivan, possibly a grey Toyota Sienna.

It is thought that the driver, who was wearing a soccer shirt, may have been visiting the park to play football.

The $25,000 reward, which has been offered by the City of Los Angeles and the California Highway Patrol, will go to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the motorist.

On the other side of the country, police in Miami are seeking a driver who killed a cyclist after striking him from behind early yesterday morning.

NBC Miami reports witnesses describing how the victim was dragged for 50 feet under the SUV involved before the motorist stopped his vehicle to dislodge the victim, then drove off at high speed.