By now you have likely heard of the tragic hit-and-run accident that threatened the lives of Cal Heights resident Lynda Vitale and her dog Maggie this week. We need your help in spreading the call for information.
Recap:
Tuesday evening at 7:50pm, one of our residents, Lynda Vitale, was walking her dog Maggie. While crossing 36th Street at Myrtle Avenue, they were hit by a speeding car that never stopped. Police estimate the speed of the car at 35 to 40 miles per hour. Lynda has many fractured bones and a head injury. She remains in intensive care after extensive surgeries. Maggie also had surgery and is expected to recover.
Lynda did not see the car that hit her, but several residents reported seeing a speeding car, a blue VW Beetle, traveling east on 36th Street immediately following the incident. A maroon 4WD pickup was also seen by a neighbor and the victim, but Lynda is not sure that it was the vehicle that hit her. That vehicle was traveling west on 36th and made a left turn (south) on Myrtle Avenue.
Unfortunately, police have little to go on and no witnesses. If you can help identify these vehicles or their owners, or if you have any information that may help police in their investigation, please call LBPD Accident Detail at (562) 570-7355.
The family is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) that hit their mom.
Drop your cards and letters at Polly’s Coffee on 2nd Street or Nino’s Italian Restaurant by noon on Christmas Eve. Please help spread the word through your social media channels.
It is so important to walk and drive carefully. Every day we witness
drivers speeding down our streets and running stop signs. Late for
work or an appointment, late to get the kids to school, or just
selfishly careless, they disregard the very real possibility that
their actions could have dire consequences. If you are walking, be
aware of your surroundings and never assume that a driver sees you.
In a match between a car and your body, your body will lose. If you
wear headphones, please don’t allow the volume to block your senses.
Please join us in wishing Lynda and Maggie speedy recoveries.
John Royce
President
California Heights Neighborhood Association
