LAPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Playa del Rey Hit-and-Run That Killed Toddler and Uncle

Los Angeles police have taken a suspect into custody following a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 1-year-old boy and his 25-year-old uncle in Playa del Rey. The LAPD’s West Traffic Division confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, though officials have not yet released the individual's identity or specific charges.

The collision occurred just after 4:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Vista Del Mar and Culver Boulevard. According to police and the driver of the victim vehicle, Oscar Sandoval, a speeding white Jeep SUV struck their sedan on the passenger side as the family was returning from the beach. Witnesses reported seeing the driver of the SUV abandon the vehicle and flee the scene on foot, and video footage appeared to show a person running from the area.

The crash killed Sandoval’s 1-year-old son, Roger, and his 25-year-old brother, Oswaldo. A 15-year-old girl, Sandoval’s sister, sustained severe injuries in the impact. Sandoval himself suffered a broken rib during the collision, which he stated prevented him from pursuing the suspect after the crash.

While a suspect is now in custody, the investigation into the circumstances of the collision remains ongoing. Police have not provided further details regarding the timeline of the arrest or whether additional factors contributed to the fatal incident.