Stand-Up Comic Perry Kurtz Killed In Hit-And-Run, Teen Arrested

TARZANA, CA — A hit-and-run driver struck and killed stand-up comedian Perry Kurtz on Ventura Boulevard Thursday night, and police arrested an 18-year-old driver in connection with his death.

Kurtz, a 73, comic who's appeared on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and "America's Got Talent" had just finished performing at a nearby restaurant when he was struck crossing the street outside a crosswalk at 9563 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, according to police and witnesses. The crash occurred at about 11:20 p.m. near the intersection at Corbin Avenue.

Kurtz died at the scene.

Witnesses told police the hit-and-run suspect drove a dark sedan.

"A gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound Ventura Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian who was walking across Ventura Boulevard east of Corbin Avenue," the Los Angeles Police Department announced in a written statement. "The pedestrian was thrown in an easterly direction before colliding with the roadway. The Honda continued eastbound failing to stop, identify self, or render aid as required by law.

"Further investigation led ... detectives and West Valley Patrol Officers to locate the hit-and-run driver at his residence," the LAPD statement said. "He was detained pending further investigation. The hit-and-run vehicle was located abandoned not far from the scene of the collision."

Within hours of the fatal crash, police arrested Nathon Jaimes, 18, of Reseda at his home on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death.

In addition to his "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and "America's Got Talent," Kurtz reached wide audiences on television shows such as "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," and as a contestant on "Extreme Gong," according to his IMDB profile.

On season 8 of ``America's Got Talent," he rapped about the judges, and promptly received three ``Nos," TMZ reported.

On "The Late Late Show with James Corden," he performed a rendition of "Louie, Louie" on the keytar with his tongue.

Kurtz was known for peppering his performances with improv, song, and dance.

Kurtz started his career in the 1970s, and in the 1980s, he served as a consistent headliner at Dangerfield's -- named after comedy star Rodney Dangerfield, TMZ reported. He also played the Comedy Store, the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, the Hollywood Pantages Theater and other spots, and had a close relationship with and opened for Robin Williams.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8020, or 877-LAPD-247. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or use the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.