In a bid to crack an unsolved case, the Los Angeles Police Department is dangling a $50,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for a tragic hit-and-run incident. This heart-wrenching event claimed the life of 65-year-old Jose “Joey” Melesio, a visitor from Chicago.
On Thursday, detectives publicized the reward as part of their ongoing efforts to track down the driver who fatally struck Melesio on April 27. At the time of his untimely death, Melesio was in Los Angeles to spend time with his family and attend the Dodgers-Cubs series, a trip filled with anticipation and joy that ended in tragedy.
Melesio was reportedly walking when he was hit by a speeding vehicle heading north. The driver, however, failed to stop or provide any assistance, turning this unfortunate incident into a felony hit-and-run case.
Authorities have released a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which is believed to be a small four-door sedan. The vehicle’s color is uncertain but could be white, gray, or silver. LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno noted, “It looks like it could be white, gray, light gray, silver in color, but not too much of that.” The investigation has yet to yield a clear image of the driver, leaving the suspect’s identity a mystery.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a small, four-door sedan, possibly white, gray or silver.
“It looks like it could be white, gray, light gray, silver in color, but not too much of that,” LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno said. “We haven’t gotten yet, on video, a shot of the driver yet; so we don’t know nothing yet about the suspect.”
Family members described Melesio as a devoted relative and urged the driver to come forward.
“Joey was such a great, loving man to all his nephews and nieces and to his cousins. We are pleading, please, por favor,” Melesio’s cousin Oscar Flores said.
Police are also asking auto body shops to contact investigators if anyone recently brought in a small four-door sedan with front-end damage. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling the LAPD.
The family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and bring Melesio’s body back to Chicago.
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