WEST HOLLYWOOD—A suspect has been named in the hit-and-run accident that occurred on May 19, on La Cienega Boulevard, north of Melrose Place. The suspect had been driving an older model Volkswagen Bug with a black convertible top when he accidentally ran over the victim, 22-year-old Benjamin Zelman, who had been parking cars in his valet position at a restaurant. The suspect had fled the scene, leaving Zelman lying seriously injured in the middle of the road. Zelman was transported to a hospital, where he was placed on life support and remains in a coma, according to LAPD’s West Traffic Division.
On May 27, the West Traffic Division and Council Member Paul Koretz held a press conference requesting the public’s help in locating the suspect involved in the hit-and-run incident. The Council office offered a $25,000 reward, and Zelman’s family offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s conviction.
On the same day, detectives followed a tip and conducted a follow up. They arrested a 74-year-old man named Michael Goldman, a Los Angeles resident. The suspect was booked for a felony hit-and-run and is being held in custody with a bail amount set at $50,000. The hit-and-run vehicle is reportedly in custody.
Anyone who has further information on the hit-and-run incident is asked to contact West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234. During non-business hours and on weekends call 1-877-LAPD-24-7. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS, (800-222-8477). To use Crimestoppers texting option, text to phone number 274637, (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads), with a cell phone. All text messages need to begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may also visit LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips,” and follow the prompts.
