(Los Angeles, CA) A staff member for Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky was seriously injured in an 8th Street crash on Sunday morning after being struck by a pickup truck while walking her dog in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, authorities said.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision occurred on October 7 around 8:30 a.m. near 8th Street and Cloverdale Avenue. The woman, a member of Yaroslavsky’s staff, walked her dog at the time of the incident. All of a sudden, a Toyota pickup truck, believed to have run a stop sign, hit both of them. When paramedics arrived, they transported the woman to a hospital. The dog did not survive.
Police said the truck briefly stopped before leaving the scene. The female driver later surrendered to authorities, booking her for a felony hit-and-run charge. Due to Los Angeles County’s no-bail policy, she was cited and released pending court proceedings.
The victim was hospitalized with multiple fractures and remains in serious condition. In a statement, Councilmember Yaroslavsky’s office said the team is “heartbroken” and focused on supporting her recovery. They’re calling the collision a “reminder of the urgent need to make streets safer for everyone.”
Overview on the 8th Street Crash
Crashes involving pedestrians and fleeing drivers raise serious safety and legal concerns. In this case, investigators put their focus on both the cause of the impact and the driver’s decision to leave the scene.
The most relevant statute is the Hit-and-Run Statute, which makes it a felony for any driver involved in an injury crash to flee without stopping, identifying themselves, and rendering aid. Failing to meet these obligations can result in severe criminal penalties, even if the driver later surrenders to authorities.
If the pickup truck ran a stop sign, California Vehicle Code 22450 could also apply. This law requires drivers to make a complete stop at every posted stop sign and yield the right-of-way before entering an intersection. Failing to do so often contributes to serious pedestrian collisions. This applies particularly in residential areas like Miracle Mile where morning foot traffic is common.
Police will likely use surveillance footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence to reconstruct the events leading to the 8th Street crash. They will assess whether additional charges or roadway safety improvements are warranted.
Support for the Victim
If you know the staff member, your compassion and support can mean a great deal during her recovery. Councilmember Yaroslavsky’s office has asked for privacy as she heals but welcomes messages of encouragement.
