Driver fled after striking pedestrian at shopping center parking lot
December 26, 2025 | Panorama City, CA
A 40-year-old resident of Van Nuys lost her life in a tragic hit-and-run incident at a Panorama City shopping center parking lot on Dec. 26, authorities reported.
Marlene Saravia-Bonilla, 40, of Van Nuys, died after a hit-and-run struck a pedestrian in The Plant Shopping Center parking lot in Panorama City.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded just before 5 a.m. when an unidentified vehicle drove into The Plant Shopping Center from Van Nuys Boulevard, striking Marlene Saravia-Bonilla. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the driver fled without stopping. Saravia-Bonilla, identified by the medical examiner, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
- Date and Time: Dec. 26, 2025, early morning, around 5 a.m.
- Location: The Plant Shopping Center parking lot, Panorama City, CA
- Victim: Marlene Saravia-Bonilla, 40, of Van Nuys
- Vehicle: Unknown make and model, and driver at large
- Agency Involved: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- Status: Investigation ongoing, and contact LAPD at 818-644-8255 with tips
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors like poor visibility, driver impairment, or fear of legal repercussions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such crashes claim thousands of lives annually, underscoring the need for thorough investigations.
Year |
Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2022 |
2,972 |
Not Available |
2023 |
2,872 |
Down 100 (3.4%) |
Source: NHTSA. Data highlights a slight decline, potentially indicating around 2,800 total hit-and-run crashes in 2023.
Legal Insights
Newsline previously consulted national legal analysts to provide perspective on hit-and-run cases.
“In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice they deserve.”
- Drivers must exercise caution, as brief distractions can have fatal outcomes.
- Comprehensive reviews of environmental factors aid in establishing accountability.
- Legal support ensures families navigate complex investigations effectively.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Families in similar situations may pursue wrongful death claims for compensation related to loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
Investigation and Next Steps
The LAPD continues to investigate the crash, urging witnesses to come forward. Hit-and-run drivers face criminal charges for fleeing the scene, as required by law.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).