A bicyclist was killed Wednesday by a hit-and-run motorist connected to potential street takeovers in South Los Angeles, according to authorities.
Jose Villalobos, 34, was struck while riding his bicycle at the junction of Century Boulevard and San Pedro Street at approximately 11 p.m. on June 1, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which on Wednesday offered a reward for the capture of the offender.
On June 1, there were multiple street takeovers occurring in the neighborhood, and investigators think the driver or the car may have been engaged in one of them. At a press conference, Det. Ryan Moreno stated that a huge street takeover that occurred within a mile of the crash was broken up by police.
As Villalobos reached San Pedro Street, he was struck by a silver two-door Chevrolet Camaro with pronounced black racing stripes, according to surveillance footage made public by the LAPD.
He has family in the region, a brother, and a son. Moreno remarked, “I know they’re pretty upset, pretty distraught.”
The bicycle was lodged beneath the suspect’s car tire following the incident, dragging and producing sparks. According to Moreno, the suspect kept going in the direction of the 110 Freeway without offering assistance.
Before hitting and killing Villalobos, the male suspect, according to the police, entered a booze store.
According to Moreno, Century Boulevard is among the “heavily traveled” routes in the neighborhood.
“You must also take responsibility for your personal safety whether you’re walking, riding a bike, scooter, skateboarding, or anything else. Don’t assume you’ll be seen. Never presume that people see you. And don’t assume they’ll stop if they do spot you,” he advised.
Other security footage from the area before the event is being looked into by police.
The South Traffic Division of the LAPD is asking anyone with information about the case to call them at (213) 321-9681. The LAPD has announced a prize of $50,000.
