Man in Wheelchair Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Police officials are searching for a driver who struck and killed a man in a wheelchair and drove off.  The 55 year-old hit and run victim has been identified as Robert Diaz.  He was struck at around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012 while crossing Artesia Boulevard at Rose Avenue.  Diaz was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Diaz was reportedly hit by a silver 4-door sedan.  Police were informed that the car might have been a Honda Accord, a Honda Civic, or perhaps a Nissan Altima.  The front bumper of the vehicle also sustained damage as a result of the crash.  The driver of the sedan parked his vehicle in order to witness the accident, but fled the scene before the police had arrived.  The man was described by witnesses as a 6-foot tall, 200 lb. Hispanic man in his 30’s, with dark hair. Police urge anyone who has information regarding the crime to contact the Long Beach police at (562)570-7355.