Police were searching for a driver who witnesses say may have intentionally struck a bicyclist in a deadly crash near the USC campus Thursday morning.
The crash was reported near West 39th Place and South Vermont Avenue about 9 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department said.
The man, described as approximately 35 years old, died at the scene, according to LAPD.
Witnesses at the scene said the driver of a light-colored SUV was involved in an altercation with the man riding a bicycle.
"They were going back and forth and had a conflict," a witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said. "The man who was driving pushed him off the bike and kept going. The driver shouted out, 'shut up before I run you over,' and he ran him over."
The woman said the driver was angry because he claimed that the cyclist had crossed the street on a green light in front of him.
Police said the man was dragged about 30 feet and believed his bicycle was lodged under the SUV.
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"He didn't stop to see if he was alive or anything, so I believe he knew he was dead," the witness said.
Investigators said the victim's bike is missing, but they are unsure of what became of it.
The investigation is ongoing. Police have not released the name of the victim, but said he was not affiliated with the nearby university.
