Cyclist Trying To Help Friend Killed In Long Beach Hit-And-Run Crash
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A cyclist was killed in Long Beach after falling from the SUV he was trying to stop after it struck his friend and cycling buddy.
The initial crash happened before 1:15 a.m. Monday at the Long Beach Boulevard exit of the 91 Freeway, where the two cyclists had been crossing the intersection.
One of the cyclists was struck, and his friend jumped on the driver's side running board of the 2000 Ford Expedition that hit his friend, and reached through the driver's side window in an attempt to turn off the car's ignition.
Police say the Expedition turned at a high rate of speed at Bort Boulevard, and the cyclist fell from the SUV and hit his head on the curb. Witnesses say the driver circled around to get a better look at what happened, then sped off.
The cyclist, a 51-year-old Los Angeles man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.
The driver abandoned the SUV a short distance away and ran away. Police towed the SUV, which is not believed to be stolen. Detectives say they have an idea of who the driver is.
The surviving cyclist, who was struck by the SUV first, suffered minor injuries.
The two cyclists were friends and belonged to the same cycling club.