A horrific hit-and-run incident in Sylmar claimed the life of a man this past Wednesday night. The Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division is on the hunt for a driver who smashed into a pedestrian and sped away, leaving the victim to die in the street.

According to the LAPD Newsroom, the unnamed male in his 40s, was crossing Foothill Boulevard at Terra Bella Street inside a crosswalk when a large, silver truck struck him at roughly 9:00 p.m. The driver, apparently operating the vehicle at an unsafe speed, did not stop to offer aid or identify themselves, a violation of California law.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded swiftly but found the individual beyond help, pronouncing him dead at the scene. As of now, the identity of the pedestrian is being kept under wraps as authorities await confirmation and the process of notifying his family.

The LAPD is appealing to the public, encouraging anyone with potentially helpful information to come forward. Detectives Otrosina and Santos from the Valley Traffic Division are the points of contact for tips, which could be eligible for a monetary reward up to $50,000 thanks to the city's Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, established by the City Council in 2015. As the investigation pushes forward, with hopes pinned on community involvement, the LAPD reminds motorists of their duty to stop and assist in the event of a collision.

Witnesses or those with knowledge of the incident are implored to reach out to the Valley Traffic Division, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. The authorities have streamlined the tip process, offering various avenues for the public to aid in the pursuit of justice for those victims silenced by such senseless acts of negligence and abandonment on the streets of Los Angeles.