$50,000 reward offered in hit-and-run that killed 81-year-old man

Glendale is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run driver whose car struck and killed an 81-year-old Glendale man Saturday, marking the third pedestrian-related fatality in the city this year, police said.

Martiros Arutyunyan was legally crossing Broadway from Belmont Street about 8 p.m. when he was struck by a white Toyota Camry, according to Glendale Police Sgt. Robert William.

The driver, a woman, failed to stop and fled east on Broadway.

Arutyunyan sustained head injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Evidence collected at the scene indicates that the collision caused damage to the car’s headlight and might have caused damage to the front bumper, hood and windshield, William said.

“We are hopeful with the reward being offered that someone will come forward and provide information that will assist detectives with identifying the driver of this vehicle,” Glendale Police Chief Robert Castro said.

Earlier this year, the Glendale City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to offer rewards for information about hit-and-run collisions. The reward money, which can only be given after a conviction, comes from the city’s General Fund and can be no more than $50,000.

Anyone with information about the driver is asked to call Glendale police at (818) 548-4911. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

In the earlier pedestrian-related deaths, a 33-year-old woman died last week after she was hit by a car while crossing illegally at Pacific Avenue and Glenoaks Boulevard.

In February, a 56-year-old man died the morning after he was hit by a car while jaywalking on Verdugo Road just south of Wilson Avenue.

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alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek