Family alleges Downey police covered up hit-and-run by officer

The family of a man who died in a tragic car-on-pedestrian collision involving a Downey police officer last October is taking legal action against the city of Downey. The family believes that there was an attempt to conceal the hit-and-run incident in which Raymond Lavalle, 48, lost his life near the San Gabriel River Trail in Santa Fe Springs. According to reports from the Whittier Police Department, the collision occurred at around 8:42 p.m., with Lavalle being pronounced dead shortly after police arrived at 9 p.m. Allegations from Lavalle's family indicate that the Downey officer fled the site of the crash knowingly, while the city of Downey claims the officer was unaware of hitting a person. A lawsuit for wrongful death was filed by Lavalle's mother, Luisa, and his three sons - Joseph, Raymundo, and Matthew - in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Whittier Police Department conducted an investigation and recommended charging the officer with vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death, but the L.A. County district attorney's office chose not to pursue charges, deeming the incident a "tragic accident." The family disputes this account, alleging that the officer was speeding and did not render aid as required by law. They claim that the city of Downey tried to conceal the event by not informing the family or issuing a public statement. The city contends that the collision happened during a pursuit of a suspect in a poorly lit area, with the officer unaware of hitting a pedestrian. The family is seeking various damages in the lawsuit, including punitive damages against the unnamed police officer involved.