Gaffey Street and Channel Street: Pedestrian Killed Near the 110 Freeway and the Driver Keeps Going
SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA (October 21, 2026): A pedestrian was killed in a San Pedro hit-and-run at West Channel Street and North Gaffey Street early Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The driver did not stop and continued south on Gaffey Street, LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes told City News Service. KTLA also reported the crash, citing an LAPD officer.
The crash happened at about 1:31 a.m. near the 110 Freeway, police said. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The person’s name and age have not been released, and police have not said whether the victim was a man or a woman.
Police did not release a description of the driver. Investigators believe the vehicle was towing a white trailer, KTLA reported, citing police, and City News Service also reported that detail. The LAPD is investigating the crash as a hit-and-run. Anyone who saw the crash or a vehicle towing a white trailer on Gaffey Street around that time is asked to contact the LAPD.
The LAPD has not said what type of vehicle was involved, which direction the pedestrian was crossing, whether the person was in a crosswalk or whether any cameras recorded the vehicle. No arrest has been reported. These are early accounts, and initial findings sometimes change.
Liability for San Pedro Hit-and-Run Crashes
Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone must stop, help the injured and identify themselves, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash is generally a felony. Vehicle Code § 21950 and § 21954 set out when drivers and pedestrians must yield, and Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 lists the family members who may generally bring a wrongful death claim.
- The driver who left: Police said the driver continued south on Gaffey Street. If the driver is found, California law generally allows a family to bring a civil claim even while a criminal case is pending.
- A vehicle towing a trailer: Investigators believe the vehicle was pulling a white trailer. If it was being used for work, the owner of the vehicle or an employer may also have responsibility under California law, depending on the facts.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: When a hit-and-run driver is never identified, Insurance Code § 11580.2 generally allows a claim under the uninsured motorist coverage of an auto policy that covers the victim or the victim’s household, subject to the policy terms and prompt reporting.
- Cameras and the roadway: Gaffey Street is a busy corridor near the freeway. Business cameras, traffic cameras and the design of the intersection can all become part of the investigation.
These are general principles of California law, not conclusions about this crash, which remains under investigation.
Steps to Take After a San Pedro Hit-and-Run
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most pedestrian deaths in the United States happen in the dark, as this one did. For families and witnesses after a crash like this one, these steps can help:
- Share what you saw: Even a partial description of a vehicle or trailer can help. Contact the LAPD with the time, direction of travel and anything you remember.
- Ask about video quickly: Businesses along Gaffey Street and Channel Street may have cameras that record over footage within days.
- Notify the insurer: Families should report the crash to any auto insurer that may provide uninsured motorist coverage, because many policies require prompt notice.
- Keep records: Save the police report number, medical examiner information, funeral costs and any contact from investigators.
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 San Pedro Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C., a personal injury and civil rights law firm in Irvine, California, extend our condolences to the family and friends of the person who was killed. Two questions remain open: did cameras along Gaffey Street record the vehicle and its white trailer as it headed south, and did the driver stop at any point before leaving the area? The crash follows other recent fatal pedestrian hit-and-runs in Los Angeles, including the one that killed Raju Dewitt in a Chatsworth crosswalk.
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 21, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 21, 2026.
