A pedestrian was struck and killed in downtown Los Angeles early Friday morning by a motorcyclist being chased by California Highway Patrol officers, authorities said.
Officers attempted to stop the rider of a 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 250 motorcycle who allegedly ran a red light in Whittier about 11:40 p.m. Thursday and then fled onto the southbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway near Whittier Boulevard, at times exceeding 100 mph, according to the CHP.
The pursuit continued on the San Gabriel River Freeway, the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway and the northbound Hollywood (101) Freeway before the rider exited the freeway at Alameda Street and struck a man around midnight near Arcadia and Main streets, according to the CHP.
The unidentified pedestrian died at the scene, the CHP reported.
The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Brian Leon of East Los Angeles, suffered critical injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital, the CHP reported. Leon was arrested on suspicion of murder and “evading a peace officer resulting in death,” the CHP reported. He had been wanted on two outstanding warrants.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the CHP Santa Fe Springs Area office at 562-868-0503 and request to speak with a supervisor.