A bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle during a police chase in the South Los Angeles area was identified Thursday.
The crash occurred at about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday following a brief pursuit that led to the area of Hooper Avenue and 45th Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The bicyclist, who was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s office as Jose Monsalve Rojas, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.
“LAPD Newton Area officers received a radio call of a theft from (a) motor vehicle suspect that was being followed by the victim of that theft,” LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar told reporters at the scene.
Officers sent to the area tried to stop the suspect vehicle, but it kept going, the LAPD reported.
“The suspect vehicle fatally struck a bicyclist in the intersection. The vehicle continued northbound and struck multiple vehicles before flipping over at Hooper just north of 45th St.,” police said in a statement. “The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee but was immediately taken into custody by officers.”
No other injuries were reported.
The motorist who hit Rojas was taken into custody, according to authorities.