Representatives from city hall and the county supervisor’s office were on site at the SCV Sheriff’s Station on Monday to announce a $20,000 reward for information in December’s fatal hit-and-run.

Desiree Renee Lawson, a suspected runaway from the San Fernando Valley, was in the roadway crossing the northbound lanes in the 27500 block of Sierra Highway, where she was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle on Monday, Dec. 26 at approximately 8:40 p.m.

The suspect vehicle fled and Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A hit-and-run is one of the most cowardly acts that someone can perpetuate, particularly when you leave a young teenager lying on the street,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth.

“Now it’s up to you in the community,” he said. “Just imagine this young girl’s mother, there is nothing worst as a parent to lose a child and to do so in such a cowardly act as a hit-and-run.”

Officials have released a description of the suspect’s vehicle as being a “80’s or 90’s late model Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, or Pontiac Trans Am (with) a low front end,” according to Detective Mark Cramer the case’s lead investigator.

The vehicle could also possibly have some damage to the hood or front end.

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger will be presenting a reward of $20,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible.

“This loss has really shaken the community, and Supervisor Barger is committed to bringing those responsible to justice.” said Rosalind Wayman, Senior Field Deputy Supervisor Bargers Office.

“Supervisor Barger appreciates the dedicated work of the Sheriff’s Department on this case, now we need the assistance of the community to help this family have closure.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Santa Clarita Valley Station, Detective Cramer – Traffic Division at (661) 255-1121.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.