LAPD bomb squad vehicle hits, kills pedestrian in Del Rey

DEL REY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An on-duty LAPD bomb squad vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Del Rey on Monday.

The incident happened just after midnight on the 13600 block of Culver Boulevard, near Jefferson Boulevard. The vehicle involved was a utility type truck, not an armored vehicle.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but officials say heavy fog in the area could have been a factor in the accident. According to investigators, there are no crosswalks in the area.

The victim was only identified as a man between 55 to 60 years old. He is believed to be a transient.

Authorities say the officer did not realize he had hit a person until he turned back around and checked.

The bomb squad member was not en route to a call when the incident occurred. Officials say he was heading home at the time, but the officers are considered on duty until they make it home. We're told he has been with the Los Angeles Police Department for more than 20 years.

The LAPD's West Traffic Division is handling the investigation.