Fatal Hit and Run Driver Arrested for Murder

BURBANK, CA (December 13, 2021) - A driver who fled the scene of a traffic collision after striking and killing a pedestrian has been arrested and booked for murder.

On December 10, 2021, at about 9:29 p.m., Burbank Police and paramedics responded to the intersection of San Fernando Boulevard and Grinnell Drive after receiving a report of a hit and run traffic collision involving a pedestrian. When police officers and paramedics arrived, they located a pedestrian lying in the roadway who had suffered serious and traumatic injuries. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Based on information provided by witnesses, officers immediately searched the area for the hit and run driver. Officers located the hit and run driver and vehicle in the area of San Fernando Boulevard and Cypress Avenue. The driver of the hit and run vehicle exhibited signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication.

The investigation revealed that the hit and run driver had previously been involved in a multi vehicle traffic collision on the northbound I-5 freeway. The suspect fled the scene of that collision, ending up on surface streets in the City of Burbank. The suspect travelled at a high rate of speed southbound on San Fernando Boulevard. As the victim crossed the street in a marked crosswalk at San Fernando Boulevard and Delaware Road, she was struck by the hit and run driver. The driver fled the scene and was later apprehended by officers.

The driver has been identified as 49-year-old Jesse Molina of Granada Hills. Mr. Molina was booked for 187(a) PC – Murder, 23153(a) CVC – Felony DUI, and 20001(a) CVC – Felony Hit and Run. Mr. Molina is being held in lieu of $2,000,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on December 14, 2021.

The victim’s information will not be released at this time.

This collision remains under the investigation of Burbank Police Department Traffic Detectives. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Detective Ryan Murphy at (818) 238-3103.

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QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS STATEMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
SERGEANT EMIL BRIMWAY | 818-238-3232 | [email protected]