Mayor Karen Bass has announced that her office is working with 9th District Councilmember Curren Price and the Los Angeles Police Department to offer up to a $50,000 reward in the fatal hit-and-run of Akil Saud Batani-Khalfani, an 83-year-old community leader, historian and author known as “Bird,” who was struck on Sept. 30 around 8:30 p.m. near Central Avenue and 69th Street. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the driver, or resolution through a civil compromise, under the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program.
“My office has been in communication with Mr. Batani-Khalfani’s family and have connected them to services. We are working with the LAPD to make sure they have the resources available to identify the driver responsible for this hit-and-run and ensure they are held accountable. I urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring answers to Akil’s family.
“No one deserves to die in this manner and Bird’s tragic death is heartbreaking. He was an elder, a father of 15, a grandfather of 43, community advocate, and community historian who dedicated his life to our young people. His loss is felt by his family and the many people whose lives he touched. My heart is with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones as they mourn this devastating loss.
“Every Angeleno deserves to be safe on our streets. We are working to determine what additional safety measures may be needed near Central Avenue and 69th Street and will continue taking action to protect lives and prevent another family from experiencing this kind of tragedy,” said Mayor Karen Bass.
Anyone with information about this hit-and-run is urged to contact LAPD’s Central Traffic Division Investigator A. Leon at 213-833-3713 or the division’s watch commander at 213-833-3746. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. No detail is too small
