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Los Angeles launches South L.A. street-safety study after fatal hit-and-run

LADOT is reviewing conditions near Central Avenue and 69th Street after an 83-year-old community leader was killed there on September 30.

Published October 10, 2026

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has begun a comprehensive safety assessment near Central Avenue and 69th Street, Mayor Karen Bass announced October 9. The review follows the death of Akil Saud Batani-Khalfani, a South Los Angeles community leader known as “Bird.”

Location: Central Avenue near 69th Street

City review: Road conditions, collision history and LAPD incident data

Reward: Up to $50,000 for information that resolves the case

Study and investigation move forward

The city said LADOT began its field review October 8 and will consider possible safety improvements after examining the intersection and historical data. Officials also said all city streetlights in the area were working properly.

Police say Batani-Khalfani was struck by a dark blue, four-door sedan at about 8:43 p.m. September 30. The driver left without stopping, and no arrest had been announced at publication time. The city renewed its request for information and its offer of a reward of up to $50,000.

Sources: Mayor of Los Angeles official announcement → · MyNewsLA original report →