Suspect Runs Over Motorcycle Rider, Flees

A hit-and-run crash left a motorcycle rider hospitalized today.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. at the intersection of La Serena Way and Calle Pina Colada, according to sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Hoctor.

The motorcycle rider and a beige sport utility vehicle were speeding westbound on La Serena Way when the motorcycle slammed into the back of the SUV, witnesses said.

“The motorcycle appeared to swerve to go around me and hit the back of the SUV,” said Joe Thomas, who was driving behind the SUV at the time, said.

The motorcycle rider then flew off his vehicle and landed in front of the SUV, which then ran him over, witnesses said.

The SUV driver sped away, but a few minutes later, he came back, got out of his vehicle and joined a crowd that gathered.

The suspect asked people in the crowd what happened and pretended he was not involved, according to Thomas and another witness, Tim Lalaiberte.

Eight patrol cars were scattered around the scene as the victim was lifted onto a stretcher and put in an ambulance. The motorcycle sat wrecked in a pool of leaking fluids, and deputies used a chemical agent to absorb it.

This kind of incident is common at this intersection, some said.

“This is a good example of why there needs to be a stop sign,” said Gabriella Cirby, who lives near the scene. “Everyday, there are dangerous encounters. I don’t let my 5-year-old outside because it’s crazy.”

All lanes were closed at the intersection as of 3:30 p.m.

Peter Surowski contributed to this report.