Student fatally struck by city service truck in Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 17-year-old student was fatally struck by a city service truck while walking to school in Highland Park Tuesday morning, police said.

The incident occurred as the student, identified as Andres Perez of Montebello, crossed the street near S. Avenue 60 and N. Figueroa Street shortly after 7:30 a.m.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. He attended Los Angeles International Charter School in the 600 block of Coleman Avenue.

As a precaution, school officials canceled classes at the charter school following the threat made to nearby Los Angeles Unified School District schools.

A statement issued by Clifford Moseley, executive director of the school read in part: "We send our deepest condolences to the student's family on their terrible loss. The safety and well-being of students are our top priority. Given our location within the boundaries of the Los Angeles Unified School District, we made the decision to follow the district's lead in closing school today as a precaution following a safety threat."

The family said Perez had not yet made it to the school to be told about the the campus shutting down, according to Det. Charles Walton of the Los Angeles Police Department.

L.A. International Charter School falls under the County Board of Education, which is not under purview of LAUSD.

The employee who struck the victim has worked for the city of L.A. for over 20 years, authorities said.

Moseley added that the campus is a close-knit community and will provide counseling to those in need to heal from the tragedy.

"It's so unfortunate and it's sad that today there is a lot going on," parent Franchesca Garci said. "The scare with the schools, and then with this, but all we can do is pray."