Central Avenue near 69th Street: an 83-year-old man crossing the street was struck by a southbound driver who did not stop
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 30, 2026): Akil Batani-Khalfani, 83, was killed in a South Los Angeles hit-and-run on Wednesday night, September 30, when a southbound driver struck him near 69th Street and Central Avenue and did not stop, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by City News Service and NBC Los Angeles. The crash happened around 8:45 p.m. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified him on Monday, October 5.
An LAPD spokesperson said Batani-Khalfani was walking west across Central Avenue, outside a crosswalk, when the vehicle hit him. The driver did not stop, identify himself or render aid, City News Service reported. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel pronounced Batani-Khalfani dead in the street. Police have not released a description of the vehicle or the driver.
Update (October 12, 2026): Police described the vehicle as a dark blue, four-door sedan traveling south on Central Avenue, according to KTLA and City News Service. On Thursday, October 8, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a reward for information leading to the identification of the driver. Anyone with information can call LAPD Central Traffic Division Investigator A. Leon at 213-833-3713.
His family told NBC Los Angeles that he was known as “Bird” and had worked as a Youth Correctional Counselor for the California Youth Authority and as a Youth Gang Counselor for Los Angeles Community Youth Gang Services. A father and grandfather, he is survived by 15 children and 43 grandchildren, his family said. His daughter asked the driver to come forward, and loved ones held a candlelight vigil at the site on Tuesday, October 6.
Anyone with information can contact LAPD South Bureau at 323-786-5077. Anonymous tips can go to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. The City of Los Angeles also has a Hit-and-Run Reward Program for information that helps identify drivers who flee fatal crashes.
Update (October 21, 2026): LAPD Central Traffic Division detectives arrested a 29-year-old man near his workplace in Carson on Tuesday, October 20, in connection with the crash, the department said, according to City News Service and CBS Los Angeles. Detectives then served a search warrant at his home and impounded a vehicle as evidence, police said. He was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Prosecutors have not announced whether charges will be filed. Investigator A. Leon can be reached at 213-833-3713.
Liability for the South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, render aid and provide identification. Vehicle Code § 21954 generally requires a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk to yield to vehicles, but the same section keeps every driver under a duty of due care for pedestrians, and Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits speeds unsafe for conditions. Based on what the LAPD has released, the questions include:
- Leaving the scene: Police said the driver did not stop, identify himself or render aid. Fleeing a crash that causes a death is a felony and weighs heavily in any civil claim.
- Due care after dark: At 8:45 p.m. on Central Avenue, lighting, the driver’s speed and whether the driver was watching the road are central questions, even outside a crosswalk.
- Shared fault: Under California’s comparative fault rules, a family can still recover even if a pedestrian is found partly responsible, with damages reduced by that share.
- Finding the vehicle: With no description released, cameras along Central Avenue, nearby businesses and body shop records may be key to identifying the southbound vehicle.
Batani-Khalfani’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. That claim is separate from the criminal investigation. If the driver is never identified, uninsured motorist coverage on a household auto policy may still provide a path to recovery, even though he was on foot.
Steps to Take After a South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, older adults face a higher risk of dying when struck by a vehicle, and most pedestrian deaths happen after dark. More than a week has passed since this crash, so families benefit from acting quickly on the evidence that remains.
- Stay in touch with South Bureau: Ask detectives for the case number and updates on the search for the driver and the vehicle.
- Notify insurers: California auto policies generally require a prompt police report to use uninsured motorist coverage for a hit-and-run. Confirm the report is on file.
- Ask about victim assistance: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help families of hit-and-run victims with certain funeral and related expenses.
- Share tips the right way: If you saw the crash or a damaged vehicle nearby, give that information to the LAPD or Crime Stoppers rather than posting it online.
Legal deadlines and notice requirements apply after a crash, injury or death, and they vary with the facts of each case, the location and the parties involved, including any public agency. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Investigating the South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Akil Batani-Khalfani. Important questions remain: Who was driving the southbound vehicle that struck him on Central Avenue and kept going? And will cameras near 69th Street help detectives find that driver?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 30, 2026. Updated on October 12, 2026 with the vehicle description and the mayor’s reward announcement. Updated on October 21, 2026 with the arrest of a suspect.
