Joshua Byrd Struck and Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver on Cimarron Avenue [Gardena, CA]

Rafael Newell Identified as Driver Accused of Hitting Disabled Veteran near 139th Street

GARDENA, CA (August 27, 2018) – A man was injured early Monday morning following a hit-and-run crash near 139th Street. The victim was later identified as Joshua Byrd, a two-tour Iraq War veteran.

As per reports, the incident took place at about 6:30 AM in the 13700 block of Cimarron Avenue. Byrd was walking his service dog outside when he saw 30-year-old Rafael Newell toss trash from his vehicle.

The veteran asked Newell to pick up the trash, but the driver did not respond. Byrd then placed the trash on the hood of the suspect’s vehicle, which resulted in an argument between the two men. A short time later, Newell intentionally struck the pedestrian and fled the scene, leaving Byrd with a fractured wrist and several cuts.

On October 1, police received tips that helped them identify the assailant as Newell. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Gardena Police Department’s dispatch center at (310) 323-7911 or Detective Goodpaster at (310) 217-9653.

No further details have been provided to the public at this time, as an investigation is ongoing.

Never flee the scene and face the consequences of your actions. Challenging the law will only result in severe ramifications and penalties you could have avoided. By following driving laws and being careful when behind the wheel, you can keep yourself and others around you safe.

---

If you have suffered injuries caused by the reckless actions of a hit-and-run driver, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Sweet Law Group. Our team has over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and we have dealt with a variety of cases including car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, and disability. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation with a professional in your area. For your convenience, we can also be contacted 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week by email, online chat, and text message.