Investigators want to speak to the driver of a pickup truck spotted tailgating a bicycle moments before the cyclist went down and suffered fatal injuries.
The incident happened around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday in Palos Verdes Estates, on a downhill stretch of Granvia Altamira. At this point, it's not clear whether the vehicles collided, said Palos Verdes Estates Det. Sgt. Luke Hellinga.
The cyclist was transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center with serious head trauma, despite a helmet where he died of his injuries. The 69-year-old man has been identified, but authorities are withholding his name until members of his extended family have been notified.
Investigators located home security camera video showing a Ford F150 pickup truck closing in on the cyclist passing in front of the house, then going out of sight. The cyclist was found on the ground near the curb 150 feet down the road.
The 9-1-1 call came from a group of cyclists farther down the hill. The driver of a white pickup told them a cyclist was injured, neighbor Joe Krock said he learned from the group. The pickup drove off before authorities arrived.
The driver was described as a heavyset man, about six feet tall and wearing a blue shirt. "It is believed the driver and/or occupants may have inforamtion about the collission," according to a statement issued by the police department
in seeking public assistance.
Hilly terrain and stunning views make Palos Verdes a favorite among road cyclists, but occasionally there is friction with motorists.
Two weeks ago on Granvia Altamira, the driver of a white pickup pulled alongside three cyclists riding uphill, and shouted at them, recalled Carey Alpert, one of the riders. Alpert said they were riding single file, but the driver was apparently angry they were taking road space. Whether it was the same white pickup seen Wednesday is unknown.
An electronic signboard now in place on Granvia Altamira implores any witnesses to contact the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department at 310-378-4211
Only two months ago, another cyclist was killed while descending Hawthorne Blvd. Rounding a bend, Pissanuk Jonathan Tansavatdi, 29, of Redonod Beach,
was not able to stop in time to avoid a big rig moving truck making a right turn.
