March 14--A driver being pursued by California Highway Patrol officers struck and killed a motorcyclist after running a red light in North Hills on Friday night, authorities said. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Cristian Alexander, 18, of Sylmar was arrested after the 10:30 p.m. collision on Nordhoff Street at the southbound offramp of the 405 Freeway, according to a statement from the CHP.
Two CHP officers spotted Alexander's 2007 Kia traveling on the freeway at "an extreme high rate of speed" and began pursuing the car, authorities said. Alexander then exited the freeway and continued out of control through the intersection where his vehicle struck the motorcycle heading westbound on Nordhoff, authorities said.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not immediately released.
Alexander and his passenger, Ezekiel Roberson, 21, of Sylmar, were taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries, authorities said.
After an evaluation, Alexander was arrested for driving under the influence and booked into Van Nuys Jail.
carlos.lozano@latimes.com
