Long Beach police are actively searching for a hit-and-run driver responsible for the death of an 80-year-old man on a bicycle, and they're calling on the public for assistance. The fatal incident took place on Monday, around noon, at the crossroads of Atlantic Avenue and Pleasant Street, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles. Responding officers found the victim, later identified as Enrique Barajas, in a critical state after being sideswiped by a white SUV, which was seen fleeing the scene.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Barajas tragically passed away from his injuries the following day. The Long Beach Police Department has disclosed that Barajas was attempting to merge from the bike lane into the number one lane when the vehicle struck him. Investigators are earnestly seeking to identify and locate the driver of the SUV, described as continuing northbound without stopping to render aid to the injured cyclist. Witnesses or anyone with information is encouraged to step forward and contact the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail, as mentioned in the Long Beach Police official press release.
Officials have provided several avenues to anonymously report any leads, including calling the "LA Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 TIPS" app, or visiting their website.
