Driver of Van Sought in Hit-and-Run That Killed 79-Year-Old Man in Long Beach

A man died in a hit-and-run crash in Long Beach and police searched Tuesday for the driver.

Around 7:50 p.m. Monday, a Long Beach police officer on patrol in the 5900 block of North Paramount Boulevard located a man down in the street who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, according to Lt. James Richardson of the Long Beach Police Department.

Elias Sanchez of Long Beach, 79, died at the scene, police said. According to police, Sanchez was crossing South Street at Paramount Boulevard in a crosswalk with a green signal when a cargo van that was going westbound on South Street turned onto northbound Paramount Boulevard, striking him.

"The cargo van then dragged the pedestrian approximately 900 feet northbound on Paramount Boulevard," a police statement said. "The cargo van fled the scene making no attempt to stop, render aid or notify police or paramedics.   

"A short time later, a second (motorist) did not see the pedestrian in the roadway, attempted to swerve, but could not avoid striking the pedestrian," police said.

That motorist remained at the scene and was interviewed by police.

The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a white 1970s to 1980s Chevrolet or Ford cargo/utility van with a ladder on the rear doors similar to one seen at the rear of recreation vehicles, police said. It also had green writing on the back.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call (562) 570-7355, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.