Justin Ramirez Arrested in Glendale Hit-and-Run Accident
The collision occurred on East Colorado Street, claiming the life of a man in his 60s
A man in his 60s was killed in a hit-and-run crash on East Colorado Street in Glendale, California, on Wednesday, and police have arrested the suspected driver, according to the police department.
Detectives took Justin Ramirez, 26, of Los Angeles, into custody early Thursday at his workplace on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Investigators tracked the suspect's vehicle using witness descriptions, surveillance footage and automated license plate reader technology. Officers responding to the 1400 block of the road just after 10 p.m. found the pedestrian suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.
The driver who struck the man fled the scene. Ramirez, later identified as the suspect, was cited and later released from county jail, records show.
Police are working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to determine if additional charges will be filed. Authorities have not yet released the victim's name.
Hit-and-run crashes accounted for 15 percent of all police-reported crashes and about 10 percent of traffic injuries in 2023, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. While the criminal justice system focuses on the charges against the driver, civil investigations run parallel to ensure victims' families are protected.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Nearby cameras often hold the clearest picture of what actually happened during a significant roadway collision, yet footage gets overwritten or deleted within days on many systems."
"Legal counsel moves quickly in these situations, sending preservation requests to businesses, homeowners, and traffic authorities before recordings vanish forever, understanding a single overwritten hard drive can erase the only clear record available," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
When a suspect is identified and arrested, it opens the door for the victim's family to seek accountability. While police handle the criminal felony hit-and-run charges, independent investigators can examine the driver's background, insurance coverage, and actions leading up to the crash.
Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. California applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
"Witness accounts regarding a fleeing car’s color, body style, or partial license plate number fade quickly as time passes. Conducting formal interviews immediately locks in accurate descriptions before key details are forgotten," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Legal counsel supports affected families by gathering reliable witness testimony to build a strong foundation for recovery."