A bicyclist tragically lost his life in Northridge on Thursday evening after being involved in two hit-and-run collisions. The Los Angeles Police Department is now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the drivers responsible for the incidents.
The first collision occurred around 9:15 p.m. when a gray Honda traveling northbound on Lindley Avenue collided with the bicyclist near Napa Street. The impact threw the man off his bicycle and onto the road. Tragically, he was then struck by a gray pickup truck, which also failed to stop and offer aid as required by law.
Both drivers involved in the collisions callously fled the scene without identifying themselves or providing any assistance. Authorities have withheld the identity of the cyclist, who was in his early 50s, pending notification of his next of kin. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for anyone who can provide information leading to the identification, apprehension, or conviction of either driver involved in the hit-and-run incidents. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact the division at (818) 644-8025 or (818) 644-8117. Outside regular working hours or on weekends, calls can be made to (877) 527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or through the lacrimestoppers.org website. Tips can also be submitted via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
The alarming incident adds to the growing number of hit-and-run fatalities in Los Angeles. In 2023 alone, 106 people lost their lives in hit-and-run incidents within the city, according to LAPD data. Furthermore, the total number of traffic fatalities in 2023 reached 336, marking the highest figure recorded in over two decades. This distressing trend has been attributed by former LAPD Chief Michel Moore to distracted and high-speed driving.
