Last Updated on July 12, 2021 by C-CAR
Sheriff’s officials and the family of a 72-year-old Diamond Bar man asked for the public’s help on Monday, July 12, for information that would lead to the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck the senior as he took a walk in his neighborhood on July 4th.
The pedestrian died four days later at a local hospital, according to the coroner’s office. Sheriff Alex Villanueva identified the man as Bruce Bodel.
“While most of us were at home settling in for the night after celebrating the 4th of July, the family of 72-year-old Bruce Bodel received the most devastating news. Their loved one would most likely never make it home,” Villanueva said during a press conference held in front of the Sheriff’s Walnut/Diamond Bar Station on Valley Boulevard in Walnut.
Bodel was taking an evening stroll in his neighborhood around 10:30 p.m. when he was run down, Villanueva said. The driver never showed any compassion for his actions and didn’t stop, the sheriff added.
“We would appreciate any assistance, any additional information about what happened to my uncle on July 4th. This has devastated my family,” Jessica Bodel said during the press conference.
She said her uncle always liked to go for walks, it was just his habit. Rather than take a car, she said he would ride a bicycle or walk.
“He enjoyed going out into the community and supporting it in every way he could. He was a vegetarian. He’d never hurt a fly,” Jessica Bodel said. “So anybody who could help bring my uncle justice would be greatly appreciated.”
Bruce Bodel was walking north on Penarth Avenue at Lycoming Street, Sgt. Michael Luter said. As he crossed Lycoming Street, a car struck him.
Luter described the car as a two-door silver sedan with damage to the front and a cracked windshield.
The car was traveling west on Lycoming Street when it hit Bruce Bodel, according to a sheriff’s statement. The sedan was last seen heading south on Lemon Avenue
Investigators asked anyone with information about the suspect or the suspect’s car to call 909-859-2817. Anonymous tipsters can call L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or use the website lacrimestoppers.org
