Exposition Park hit-and-run suspect deliberately struck bicyclist, witness says

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A hit-and-run driver deliberately struck and killed a bicyclist following a traffic dispute in Exposition Park Thursday morning, a witness said.

The incident occurred near S. Vermont Avenue and W. 39th Place at about 9 a.m.

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told Eyewitness News the hit-and-run suspect was upset because the bicyclist had attempted to cross the street when the driver had the right-of-way.

"They were pretty much arguing back and forth because he crossed the street and it wasn't his light," she said. "They started arguing, going back and forth. The man that was driving pushed him off the bike and he shouted out, 'Shut up before I run you over,' and he ran him over and kept going."

Investigators said the male hit-and-run suspect was behind the wheel of a full-size silver or white SUV. He was last seen making a left turn on W. 39th Place from S. Vermont Avenue.

The driver's side-view mirror may be broken, police said.

Anyone with information on the incident was urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.