A man was struck and killed in downtown Los Angeles early Friday morning by a motorcyclist who was being chased by California Highway Patrol officers.
The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Brian Leon of East Los Angeles, was arrested on suspicion of murder and "evading a peace officer resulting in death," the CHP reported. Having served time for vehicle theft, he was wanted on two outstanding warrants. Authorities had been looking for him for more than a month.
The chase began when officers attempted to stop the rider of a Kawasaki motorcycle who ran a red light in Whittier at about 11:40 p.m. Thursday, then fled at speeds around 100 mph onto the southbound 605 Freeway near Whittier Boulevard, according to the CHP. The pursuit continued on the San Gabriel River Freeway, then the northbound 5 and 101 freeways.
The rider exited the freeway and struck a man near Arcadia and Main streets, according to CHP Sgt. Raquel Stage. He was traveling at an estimated 50 to 60 mph when he got off the freeway, Stage said.
The location is near tents that are part of a homeless encampment.
The victim died at the scene. The motorcyclist was hospitalized with critical injuries.
NBC4's Patrick Healy contributed to this report.
