Reward for Information on Hit-and-Run Driver Increased

The Board of Supervisors today approved a $50,000 reward for information that helps authorities track down the driver who fled the scene of a Boyle Heights crash that killed a probation officer who was riding his motorcycle home from work at Eastlake Juvenile Hall.

Rewards in the case now total $100,000. The Los Angeles City Council approved a $50,000 reward on Nov. 20.

Supervisors Gloria Molina and Michael Antonovich recommended the county reward, noting in their motion that the Los Angeles Police Department "is seeking assistance from the public to solve this heinous crime."

Kenneth Hamilton, 54, of Fountain Valley, was near the intersection of Soto Street and Lancaster Avenue at 5:50 a.m. Oct. 28 when the driver of a silver, four-door Honda Civic DX changed lanes and ran into his motorcycle, which crashed into the curb.

Hamilton was thrown from the bike and into a traffic light pole that then fell over and landed on him. He died at the scene.

A vigil was held for Hamilton on the baseball field at Santiago High School in Corona, where he had been an assistant baseball coach for 17 years.

His daughter, Shannon, previously urged the hit-and-run driver "to do the right thing just like my dad would do" and surrender, adding, "You've got to face the consequences of your actions."

Anyone with information was asked to call Los Angeles police Detective Michael Kaden at (213) 972-1837.

-- City News Service