Reward extended for hit-run driver

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this week extended a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who struck and killed a 49-year-old Montrose resident on Jan. 1.

Joo Lee died Jan. 6 from injuries he suffered after being struck and thrown 70 feet by an SUV as he and his wife crossed the 3100 block of Montrose Avenue about 7:44 p.m. New Year's Day.

Police pursued various leads, reviewed surveillance video tapes from area cameras and checked auto body shops for a dark-colored SUV, but have been unable to find the driver, Glendale Police Det. Bill Frommling said.

"I wish we could dig up a lead," he said.

The lack of evidence left at the scene and few witnesses have been the greatest challenges for investigators, Frommling said.

Since Joo Lee's death, his family has moved out of Montrose, he said. Joo Lee's older daughter got a job to support the family, Frommling added.

At the time of Joo Lee's death, his wife, Kyong Lee, and two daughters urged the hit-and-run driver to come forward.

"Why would you just hit somebody and leave?" Kyong Lee said. "You should have at least stayed by. If you hadn't left and helped him just a little bit, he would have survived."

The same question has also plagued Frommling.

"It's a cold person who didn't care," he said.

Anyone with details about Joo Lee's death is urged to call Frommling at (818) 548-3132 or Glendale Crime Stoppers at (818) 507-7867. To remain anonymous, call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers' tip line at (800) 222-TIPS.