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Suspect in Hit & Run that Left Valet in Coma was Turned in by Neighbors
A relatively unique car and widespread media attention helped put a suspect of a hit and run behind bars last week. The LAPD asked Twitter users and the news media to spread word about a hit and run that left a 22-year-old valet in a coma. Captured on surveillance video, you can see Benjamin Zelman get run down by an older model yellow VW bug convertible. It didn't take long before two West Hollywood neighbors of the 74-year-old suspect independently called police on him. A few hours later Michael Goodman was in custody, according to WeHo News.Zellman's family offered a $10,000 reward to any tips leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. On Thursday morning a press conference was scheduled where the reward was upped to $35,000 with help from the city. Earlier that morning, Marvin Rinnig called in the tip with an detective arriving a few hours later, not too long after the press conference. That's when Goodman in his bug was seen exiting the building's parking garage.
“I did not turn him in for the money; I did what any responsible person would do,” said Rinnig. Another neighbor also called in Goodman.
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