Vigil held for man on skateboard killed by LAPD cruiser in Highland Park area
Friends and loved ones gathered Saturday night to remember a skateboarder who was struck and killed by an LAPD vehicle in Highland Park.
Candles, flowers and pictures were placed near Figueroa Street and Sycamore Grove Park where the man was killed Friday in what the Los Angeles Police Department is calling a "tragic accident."
LAPD said the man on the skateboard was riding in the median in the middle of Figueroa Street, heading southbound, around 7 p.m. At the same time, an LAPD patrol vehicle with its lights and sirens on was heading northbound, also in the median as it passed traffic on the busy road.
The skateboarder died on the street, right in front of a carnival that was happening at the nearby park.
Officials have not released the identity of the man who was killed. In posts on social media, he is only identified as "Jerry." He is believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
Witnesses reported that the police vehicle was traveling at a fast speed, but police said they were not driving at an excessive speed.
Police are still investigating the incident, but say it's not uncommon for officers with their lights and sirens on to use the median to pass traffic.
