Sept. 10--A motorist was arrested Thursday for allegedly hitting and killing a bicyclist then running from the scene in the middle of the night in Arleta, Los Angeles police officials said.
The fatal hit-and-run happened about 2 a.m. in the 14100 block of Van Nuys Boulevard and next to Arleta High School, where officers Thursday morning were attempting to shield students headed to school from the aftermath of the crash.
Campus police were expected to steer parents dropping off their kids and students walking onto campus to entrances away from where the bicyclist came to rest after the crash.
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Officer Norma Eisenman said a 22-year-old man was driving north on Van Nuys Boulevard when he crossed into the southbound lanes and hit the 51-year-old male bicyclist.
Though the driver initially remained at the scene, the man ran off when paramedics arrived, according to KTLA.
A burglary call from a nearby resident a short time later led police to the driver, who was trying to hide, KTLA reported.
Traffic Det. Bill Bustos said the driver appeared to be under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. The driver hit three cars before he hit the bicyclist, KTLA reported.
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