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Bicyclist Killed, 1 Injured in Winnetka Hit-and-Run

After a bicyclist died and another was injured during a hit-and-run crash in Winnetka, investigators were working to determine whether the pair was targeted early Wednesday.

The collision occurred around 1 a.m. near Winnetka Avenue and Gilmore Street in Woodland Hills, according to LAPD Valley Traffic Division. The two men were on their way home from work, riding northbound on Winnetka when they were struck by a white utility truck, police said.

The two men were taken to the hospital -- one suffered severe injuries and remains in critical, but stable condition, LAPD said. The other bicyclist died at the hospital from his injuries.

The driver apparently slowed down and made a swerving motion before colliding with the bicyclists, according to a witness who spoke with investigators. That witness told detectives the driver stopped, looked back and then drove off.

Late Wednesday morning, the crash was being investigated as a potential homicide as investigators worked to determine whether the driver struck the men on purpose or by accident.

"The difference of this being a collision or being a murder is determining intent," said Paul Vernon of the LAPD. "If this person intentionally swerved for whatever reason into these bicyclists, that's a crime. If he accidentally hit them, that's something different."

Investigators were searching for a late '90s model white utiity truck with tool boxes on the side. The driver was described by authorities as a white man in his late 30s or 40s with facial hair. 

Note: Initial reports stated the crash occurred in Woodland Hills.

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