SUNLAND (CNS) — Authorities have released the name of a bicyclist who died at a hospital nearly two weeks after being struck in Sunland by a hit-and-run motorist who remains at large.
The collision was reported about 2:15 a.m. Aug. 23 at Foothill Boulevard and Oro Vista Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Charles Mentzer, 55, of Tujunga died on Sept. 3 at a hospital, according to the coroner’s office and the LAPD.
Mentzer was riding west on Foothill Boulevard when he was struck by a white, possibly older-model Toyota Prius that was headed in the same direction, police said. He was ejected from his bike and thrown into a parked vehicle.
The Prius driver did not stop. The car likely sustained damage to the right front passenger side, according to police, who did not release a description of the motorist.
A reward of up to $50,000 is available from the city for information leading to a hit-and-run driver’s identification, apprehension and conviction.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the LAPD Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8116. After-hours calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.