Driver fled after Odyssey hit pedestrian near Western Avenue
January 12, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
A 66-year-old pedestrian lost her life three weeks after a hit-and-run incident in the Vermont Square area of Los Angeles.
Shiela Johnson, 66, died after a hit-and-run crash involving a silver Honda Odyssey at 45th Place and Western Avenue in Vermont Square, Los Angeles.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that Shiela Johnson was struck around 6:55 p.m. on Jan. 12 by a silver Honda Odyssey minivan at the intersection of 45th Place and Western Avenue. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Key details include:
- Victim: Shiela Johnson, 66 years old
- Location: 45th Place and Western Avenue, Vermont Square, Los Angeles
- Vehicle: Silver Honda Odyssey minivan
- Time: Approximately 6:55 p.m.
- Outcome: Johnson succumbed to blunt force injuries, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office
Witnesses or anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LAPD’s South Traffic Division at 213-677-9791 to speak with Officer Lozada.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur in California?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a significant concern on California roads, often linked to drivers evading responsibility due to intoxication, lack of licensure, or fear of legal consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California leads the nation in such fatal crashes.
Period |
Total Fatal Crashes in CA |
Hit-and-Run Fatal Crashes |
National Rate |
|---|
2017-2021 |
18,137 |
1,901 |
6.33% |
This data underscores the prevalence, with more than one in 10 fatal crashes in the state classified as hit-and-runs—far exceeding the national average.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run accidents, conducting a thorough independent investigation is essential to safeguard the interests of affected families.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from such investigations:
- Evaluate environmental factors like lighting and signage
- Identify driver negligence through evidence collection
- Support families in pursuing rightful compensation
For wrongful death scenarios following motor vehicle incidents, relatives may pursue claims for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and related damages.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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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).