Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves Cyclist Dead

Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the driver responsible for a hit-and-run incident that killed an elderly man riding his bike.

On Friday, June 8, 2012, around 2 a.m., 76-year-old Paul Albert Helfen of Northridge was riding a bicycle eastbound on Nordhoff Street approaching Woodley Avenue when he was struck from behind by a vehicle also traveling eastbound. The impact ejected the bicyclist and caused him to hit the roadway and a raised planter box in a parking lot. He suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect vehicle failed to stop and render aid or exchange information and was last seen fleeing eastbound on Nordhoff Street. Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored, possibly dark blue, midsized SUV, a Chevrolet Blazer or similar type of vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this collision should contact LAPD Valley Traffic Detectives James Deaton at (818) 644-8035 or William Bustos at ( 818) 644-8021 during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”