Crime & Safety
Authorities Release Identity of Valley Man Killed in Carjacking
Police believe a confrontation that began as an incident of road rage ended up with a dead motorist.
VAN NUYS, CA - Authorities Tuesday released the name of a motorist killed when he tried to stop a man with whom he had been fighting from stealing his car in Van Nuys.
Andrew Patsukevich, 37, of Van Nuys, died at a hospital, said coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
The attack occurred in the 7400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard about 9:50 p.m. Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.
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Investigators believe the confrontation began as an incident of road rage that ended up with the suspect carjacking the vehicle, LAPD Officer Sal Ramirez of media relations said Tuesday.
According to police, Patsukevich was driving his Lexus north on Sepulveda Boulevard when a man on a bicycle approached slowly from the opposite direction.
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"The victim honked at the suspect and the suspect hit the victim's front windshield ... with his fist," according to an LAPD statement. "The victim then got out of the vehicle and a physical altercation took place."
The suspect punched Patsukevich, knocking him to the ground, then got into the car and began driving away, police said.
The passenger managed to get out of the Lexus, while Patsukevich grabbed the driver's side door, police said.
"The suspect rammed the driver's side of the vehicle against parked cars, causing the victim to let go of the door," police said. "The suspect drove away on Sepulveda Boulevard."
Arriving officers found Patsukevich lying on the ground and the passenger standing next to him. Patsukevich was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.
His green 2001 Lexus sedan was recovered Sunday night in North Hollywood, according to the LAPD. The suspect remains at large.
The suspect was described as Hispanic, 20-30 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and between 140 and 160 pounds.
Anyone with information about the theft and homicide was urged to call Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Steve Castro at (818) 374-1925.
After-hours and weekend calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-247. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
- City News Service / Image via Shutterstock