Grandfather killed in hit-and-run accident in Southern California

Family members are devastated after a beloved grandfather died in a rollover crash and the suspect remains at large.

According to Irvine police, the victim was identified as Allen Yangkaou Lee, 67.

The accident occurred on May 9 as Allen was driving north on Culver Drive toward Trabuco Road in Irvine around 4:30 p.m

As he passed an intersection, the suspect jumped out and turned right against a red light.

The sudden movement of the suspect’s car forced Allen to swerve to avoid colliding with the suspect.

The maneuver caused Allen to lose control of his car and a rollover accident occurred. His vehicle collided with a median, a tree and a light pole before ending up on its roof.

The suspect, who was driving a beige Honda Civic, did not stop to help and fled the scene.

Paramedics took Allen to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries on May 13. His loved ones are devastated as they think of their beloved father and grandfather.

“He was such a generous and very caring man,” said Elaine Lee, the victim’s daughter. “He was everything. It was so sudden and it really felt like there was a hole. He was unjustly removed from our lives.”

Allen’s family hopes the suspect is caught soon and said they are grateful for the good Samaritans who stopped to help Allen after the accident.

“He is loved,” said Eric Lee, the victim’s son. “Thank you to all the people who got out of their cars. Complete strangers reached into a car made entirely of twisted and crushed metal. They could have cut themselves, maybe they did, and everyone tried (to help).”

His family and loved ones remain in mourning and remember Allen as someone who loved helping others in need.

“He always helped people. So if people can help us find this person so they don’t do something like this again, I think that would be justified,” Elaine said.

Police said dashcam video from Allen’s car was instrumental in gathering evidence in the case.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a beige 2008-2011 Honda Civic. The car has unique racing style decals on the lower doors on both sides. There also appears to be red material on the door handles.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage of the incident is asked to call Detective Christopher Ostrowski at 949-724-7047.