Driver Turns Himself In To Police After Allegedly Running Over Bicyclist

LONG BEACH (CBS) — A bicyclist was struck by a van on a sidewalk and critically injured following a dispute with the driver, according to Long Beach police.

The alleged assault initiated at approximately 3:20 p.m. Tuesday on Bellflower Boulevard, just south of 23rd Street, LBPD spokesman Lisa Masacony said.

The driver reportedly fled the scene after hitting the cyclist and witnesses followed the van for several blocks until they were able to flag down a police officer, Masacony said.

The bicyclist has been hospitalized in critical condition.

According to Long Beach police, the bicyclist was homeless and known throughout the area as aggressive and violent. Police suspect, based on some accounts, that the bicyclist may have reached into the van and attacked the driver, prompting the suspect to run the man over.

The driver later turned himself in to police and officers say he may not be charged. His name was not immediately released.

It was unclear what prompted the dispute.