Detectives seek help in finding driver in fatal hit-and-run

DIAMOND BAR >> Authorities renewed their appeal Thursday for the public’s help in finding the hit-and-run driver responsible for fatally injuring a 72-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle while crossing a Diamond Bar street near his home on July 4.

Bruce Bodel was walking north on Penarth Avenue and crossing Lycoming Street about 10:30 p.m. on Independence Day when a vehicle going westbound on Lycoming struck him, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The driver drove away without stopping to help Bodel, turning south on Lemon Avenue.

Bodel, who lived nearby, died of his injuries four days later, authorities said.

The hit-and-run vehicle was described as a two-door silver sedan, and from evidence recovered at the scene, the car was believed to have damage to the front as well as a cracked windshield, Deputy Trina Schrader said.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Diamond Bar city officials have offered rewards of $10,000 each for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.

“This has devastated my family. He always liked to go out for walks, that was just his habit. Rather than taking a car he would take a bike or he would walk. He was a vegetarian, he’d never hurt a fly. So anybody who could help bring my uncle justice, would be greatly appreciated,” said Bodel’s niece, Jessica.

Anyone with information about the crime was urged to contact the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau at 909-859-2817. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.