See also:

*L.A.'s Bloody Hit-and-Run Epidemic.

Um. We told you L.A. has a hit-and-run epidemic, with nearly 1 out of every 2 reported traffic collisions in town involving a driver who bolts.

If Simone Wilson's excellent cover story, “L.A.'s Bloody Hit-and-Run Epidemic,” didn't drive the point home, maybe this will:

The latest victim (that we know of) is none other than …


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… an on-duty LAPD traffic cop on a motorcycle. The nerve.

According to a statement from the department today, the officer was struck about 7:15 last night in the 15500 block of Rinaldi Street in Mission Hills.

Here's the heart of the narrative:

… A 4-door/dark color sedan/ possibly a Dodge Charger traveling east on Rinaldi Street in the #1 lane veered right and hit an LAPD motor officer who was also traveling eastbound Rinaldi Street in the #2 lane. The collision caused the motor officer to lose control of his bike and collide with a tree before landing on the roadway. The motorcycle continued in a southeast direction and collided with a building.

The other motorist failed to stop and render aid to the officer and was last seen driving through the parking lot of Presidente restaurant located at 11451 Sepulveda Boulevard then southbound Sepulveda Boulevard.

The LAPD says the cop was hospitalized, but it didn't offer details on his injuries or condition.

See something? Say something: 818-644-8022.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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