Black Dodge Durango struck pedestrian crossing street near Glenoaks Avenue
January 30, 2026 | Pacoima, CA
Pacoima authorities are actively pursuing the driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a local woman.
Thelma Moreno, 75, of Pacoima died after being struck by a Dodge Durango while crossing Van Nuys Boulevard near Glenoaks Avenue in a pedestrian hit-and-run crash.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 5:50 p.m. on Jan. 30 in the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Glenoaks Avenue. A black Dodge Durango traveling eastbound collided with 75-year-old Thelma Moreno as she crossed the street. The vehicle fled the scene, leaving Moreno critically injured on the roadway. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but she was declared deceased at the location.
- Date and Time: Jan. 30, approximately 5:50 p.m.
- Location: Van Nuys Boulevard and Glenoaks Avenue, Pacoima, CA
- Vehicle Involved: Black Dodge Durango, eastbound
- Victim: Thelma Moreno, 75, Pacoima resident
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead at the scene, and driver at large
Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8114 to provide any information that could aid the investigation.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Continue to Rise?
Hit-and-run incidents represent a growing concern on U.S. roadways, often leaving families without closure or justice. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, such fatalities have risen by an average of 7.2% annually since 2009, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced enforcement and awareness.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Increase in Hit-and-Run Deaths (Since 2009) |
7.2% average |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Pedestrian Fatalities in Hit-and-Runs (2022) |
Over 2,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Common Contributing Factors |
Poor lighting, high speeds, driver impairment |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
These figures underscore the preventable nature of many collisions and the importance of thorough post-incident analysis.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the critical role of detailed investigations in hit-and-run cases to establish accountability and support affected families.
“In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Added Bond, national analyst for Newsline, “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive scene analysis can uncover negligence tied to environmental factors.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and protects rights.
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, Thelma Moreno's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their profound loss.
“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 just 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 their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).