Police release video of suspect in fatal hit-and-run of church pastor in South LA

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Police searched Tuesday for a driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in South Los Angeles, abandoned his vehicle and ran away.

The victim, identified as Pastor Herman Charles Avery Jr., 76, of Inglewood, was crossing Western Avenue at 81st Street, heading west, when he was struck around 6:15 p.m. Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department reported. Avery died at the scene, police said.

Police released images of the hit-and-run driver, hoping members of the public would recognize him.

The suspect, who had a 7- to 9-year-old boy with him and wore dark clothing, drove to Western Avenue and 82nd Street, where he abandoned his vehicle, police said. He was described as black, between 6 feet 2 and 6 feet 4, with a medium build.

Anyone who recognizes him or has information about the fatal hit-and-run was urged to call detectives at the LAPD's South Traffic Division at (323) 421-2500. After-hours and weekend calls should be directed to the division watch commander at (323) 421-2577. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.