Three teenage cyclists were involved in a hit-and-run Friday, Sept. 2. The three young men were heading west on Beverly Blvd., near Norwalk Blvd., early Friday morning. An unidentified white car struck one of the cyclists from behind, launching the victim off his bike and tumbling on the pavement. The car fled the scene.

Their bike ride started in Koreatown and ended in Uptown Whittier. On their way back home, they decided to stay close to the curb because they thought it would be easier for cars to avoid them. “We were part of a late night bike ride with a large group. We decided to leave around midnight to head back home,” said David Bello, one of the victim’s friends. “The car was going at least 40 (mph) and took off, making a left down the street.”

Upon seeing their friend get hit, Bello and another friend, Christopher Linares, started knocking on the doors of neighboring houses in hope of receiving some help. One unnamed resident rushed outside to offer his assistance. “This stretch of Beverly Blvd. is incredibly dark at night,” the witness stated, referring to the length of Beverly Blvd. between Norwalk and Pioneer. “It may have been difficult for the driver to see the boys, but that doesn’t excuse taking off.”

The victim, Alexis (a last name could not be given), was sprawled on the pavement when Whittier Police Department officers and Los Angeles County paramedics arrived. He appeared to have a large bump on his forehead. There were many scrapes and bruises on his limbs, and below his right ankle, his foot was contorted in an unnatural position. The victim was responsive to questions but did not remember being struck. Paramedics loaded him into their truck and transported him to LAC+USC General Hospital in Los Angeles.