Woman ran man over with his own car in Griffith Park; faces murder charge

Los Angeles Police said the woman wanted for a felony hit-and-run that happened Saturday in Griffith Park, has been arrested, and she's facing a murder charge.  

This all happened around 3 p.m. Saturday, in a parking lot in the area of Griffith Park's Western Canyon Road. Police said 70-year-old Valeriy Saakyan was run over by his own vehicle. Police said Saakyan lost his footing and fell to te ground before the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Sonia Sovereign of Los Angeles, drove Saakyan's own car over him. Sovereign then drove away in Saakyan's car, LAPD said.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Saakyan to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Some park goers said it was tragic the suspect didn't stop to render aid. Some found it shocking. Others felt it was horrible. Still others suggested it was a sign of the times.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man killed in hit-and-run crash at Griffith Park; woman in custody

On Sunday morning, LAPD officers in Hollywood found Saakyan's blue Lexus in the area of Lexington Avenue and Vine Street. Officers said the car had clear collision damage, and was covered in a blue tarp, and that they found it was connected to a felony want. They witnessed Sovereign getting out of the car and took her into custody. She later admitted to running Saakyan over, police said. 

Sovereign is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center on $1 million bail. Police are still investigating the crime. Anyone with information was asked to call detectives at 213-833-3713 or 1-877-527-3247.

Crime and Public SafetyGriffith ParkLos Angeles