Silver Lake — The 35-year-old man who was on a motorized scooter when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver last week has died from his injuries, police said tonight.

Esdras Velazquez, who had been on life support since the Sept. 4 crash, was pronounced dead late Monday night, according to an update from the LAPD Central Traffic Division. The felony hit-and-run is now vehicular manslaughter and the reward to help find the suspect has been doubled to $50,000.

Velazquez and another man were riding the scooter near the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Waverly Drive shortly before 9 pm. when they were struck from behind by a car described as a gray 2010 BMW 5 Series.

The car’s driver failed to stop, identify themselves or assist the victims, police said. The driver was described as a male with a beard, dark features, heavy set between 35-40 years of age. There was a female seated in the front passenger seat.

Bystanders called for paramedics and the passengers were transported to a hospital. The other scooter rider, described as a man in his 50s, has been treated and released from the hospital.

A surveillance video released by police shows the suspect’s vehicle at the corner of Glendale and and Rowena Avenue near the crash scene. The vehicle stopped and went into reverse to dislodge the bike caught under the vehicle, Castillo said. The vehicle then drove forward and turned westbound on Glendale.

Daily Digest Sign Up Never miss a story Sign up now for your Daily Digest Newsletter The Eastsider's Daily Digest lands in your inbox with the day's news and info Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Enter your email address and hit the Sign Up button. Your email address will not be sold to others

Edras was a father of two and laid tile to earn a living, family members told KABC 7.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Central Traffic Division, Detective Moses Castillo at (213) 833-3713 and or email at 30215@lapd.online. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender’s identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

More Silver Lake stories

Got a news tip or photo to share? Submit it here



The Eastsider’s Daily email digest includes all new content published on The Eastsider during the last 24 hours. Expect the digest to land in your in email in box around 7 p.m. It’s free to sign up! The Eastsider’s Daily email digest includes all new content published on The Eastsider during the last 24 hours. Expect the digest to land in your in email in box around 7 p.m. It’s free to sign up! Once you submit your information, please check your email box to confirm your subscription.





