Behind the Badge
The La Habra Police and family members of a 60-year-old resident killed by a hit-and-run driver in November are offering a reward to help find the person responsible.
Police on Wednesday announced they would award $25,000 to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver who struck Linda May Lopez at about 9:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2015 while she was crossing the intersection at Whittier Boulevard and Citrus Avenue.
La Habra Sgt. Jose Rocha said police believe a light-colored Toyota SUV traveling eastbound on Whittier Boulevard is responsible for the hit and run.
Lopez was taken to UCI Medical Center, where she died from her injuries, Rocha said.
Her sons said they believe if the driver would have stopped, it may have saved her life.
“From my understanding, it was about 10 or 15 minutes before anyone could help,” said Lopez’s son C.J. Ramos, 29. “It would’ve made a difference.”
Linda May Lopez, who was hit and killed by a hit and run driver on Whittier Blvd. and Citrus Ave. in the city of La Habra on November 13, 2015. La Habra Police is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest & conviction of the driver.
Photo provided by La Habra PD
C.J. Ramos described his mom as a strong woman with a soft spot for her 11 grandchildren, whom she spent most of her free time with.
“The most important thing to her was her grandkids,” he said. “She would take them anywhere and everywhere and just spoil them rotten.”
Added her 44-year-old son Jayson Ramos: “She was a real good-hearted, kind person. She would give you the shirt off her back.”
C.J. Ramos, also a La Habra resident, said he visited with his mother every day for at least a couple hours to talk and catch up on life.
“It’s really quiet in her house now, no matter how many people are there,” he said. “It just feels empty.”
Her sons said they don’t know where their mother was going or coming from when she was hit, but they want the driver to do the right thing.
“Turn yourself in; have a heart,” C.J. Ramos said.
Police photo of a similar looking Toyota showing where damage may have occurred when it struck and killed Linda May Lopez in the city of La Habra on November 13, 2015. A $25,000 reward is being offered.
Photo provided by La Habra PD
La Habra police continue to investigate the fatal collision and said residents and auto body shops should be on the lookout for a light-colored Toyota SUV, possibly a 4Runner, that may have a missing passenger-side mirror and significant damage to the front right fender.
“This is a tight-knit community and the impact on the Lopez family is real,” said Sgt. Jim Tigner of the La Habra Police Department. “This is to send a message to the driver: We have not forgotten this collision and we will continue to investigate.
“We’re just trying to do the right thing and give closure to the Lopez family.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 562-383-4300. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 562-383-4358.
La Habra PD Sgt. Jim Tigner, left, family members C.J. Ramos, second from left, Jayson Ramos and Sgt. Jose Rocha announce a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest & conviction of the driver of the Toyota SUV that struck and killed Linda May Lopez in La Habra on November 13, 2015.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
La Habra PD Sgt. Jim Tigner, left, answers questions during a press conference in front of the La Habra Police station announcing a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest & conviction of the hit and run driver who killed Linda May Lopez in La Habra on November 13, 2015. Behind him is family member Jayson Ramos and Sgt. Jose Rocha.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Television news cameras cover a press conference in front of the La Habra Police station announcing a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest & conviction of the hit and run driver who killed Linda May Lopez in La Habra on November 13, 2015.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
