Jose David Monsalve Rojas Obituary – A 46-year-old man from Colombia was tragically killed in Los Angeles after being struck by a driver fleeing the scene. Jose David Monsalve Rojas lost his life in the Central-Alameda neighborhood when a vehicle, allegedly driven by 23-year-old Germaine Smith, hit him. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the area following a report from a woman who had been a victim of a burglary the night before. She had tracked her stolen electronic device to the suspect’s vehicle and informed the police of its location.
The suspect’s gold Chevrolet Suburban was found parked in front of an apartment building on East 48th Street and South Central Avenue. When officers approached the vehicle and flashed their lights, the driver sped off down Central Avenue.
A pursuit ensued, resulting in a collision with the cyclist, other vehicles, and a telephone pole. The driver, identified as Smith, fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after. Monsalve Rojas was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified as a native of Colombia by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Smith is currently in custody awaiting charges for felony evading causing death, along with other outstanding warrants. Stolen property belonging to multiple individuals was recovered from the stolen vehicle.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact LAPD Traffic Group Detectives at 213-486-0690. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 800-222-8477.
